Otto Ernst Goedecke

Otto was born in Houston on Thanksgiving Day, the 26th of November, 1931. He is preceded in death by his parents Dr. Otto and Margret Goedecke and his son Dominic Goedecke. He is survived by his adoring wife Barbara of 52 years, and his son Glenn Christoph Goedecke and wife Nancy; his two grandsons, David Goedecke with fiancé’ Jayna, and Scott Goedecke. Otto is also survived by a brother, two sisters, other extended family, and many friends.

Otto graduated from Staunton Military Academy, Virginia and from Rice University. In addition he held degrees from the ABA School of International Banking in Colorado, and an MBA degree from the Banking School from Southern Methodist University.

After graduation, he served in the United States Army as a Second Lieutenant and had an honorary discharge. Otto then joined his family business Otto Goedecke Inc. in 1955, where he served as Executive Vice President and Treasurer of an international cotton import/export business. His business travels took him around the world, where he ultimately ended up in Bremen, Germany from where he managed all European offices.

In Bremen, Otto met the love of his life, Barbara, where they also married and had their first child, Glenn. In 1959, he brought his new family back to Texas. In 1971, Otto left the family business and pursued a banking career, beginning with Houston National Bank as VP of International Banking.

After 10 years, Otto moved to Barclay International Banking Corp. USA as President. In 1985, he formed Nordic American Corp. and Goedecke International where he served as principle until his death.

Civically, he was Director/Treasurer of Norwegian American Chamber of Commerce; President of Houston Port Bureau; President of Houston World Trade Association; Vice Chairman of the Southern German American Chamber of Commerce; and Treasurer/Director of the Houston Leipzig Sister City Association.

While this moment is filled with immense sadness for our family, we take this time to celebrate his life and the man that he was. Otto shared a warm smile and twinkling eye with all that he met. His compassion, honesty, and loyalties were always evident with both family and friends. Our family made sure to surround him with love, warm memories, and laughter that he gave us until the very end.

A memorial service is to be conducted at two o’clock in the afternoon on Friday, the 6th of August, at St. Martins Episcopal Church, 717 Sage Road in Houston, where the Rev. Dr. Russell J. Levenson Jr., Rector, is to officiate.

In lieu of customary remembrances, donations may be directed to St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, 717 Sage Road, Houston, TX, 77056; or Houston-Leipzig Sister City Association, P.O. Box 55853, Houston, TX, 77255