Mr. Otto E. Czerepak

the Canton Potsdam Hospital where he had been a resident since the 7

th

. Friends may call at the

Garner Funeral Service on Friday, December 18

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from 4-7 pm. A mass of Christian burial will be held

on Saturday, December 19

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at 10 am with Rev. Howard Venette celebrant at St. Mary’s Church in

Potsdam. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery and a luncheon will take place at New Hope

Community Church on Grant Street following the burial. Contributions in Otto’s memory can be made

to the Katya Greer Memorial Scholarship Fund at: Potsdam College Foundation, SUNY Potsdam, 507

Raymond Hall, 44 Pierrepont Avenue, Potsdam, NY 13676. Online condolences can be sent

@www.garnerfh.com.

Otto is survived by his wife Teny Czerepak; daughter Heidi Czerepak; brothers Al (Sue) Gotsch and Carl

Gotsch; sister Mary (Phil) Shatraw; grandchildren Ella and Jackson Greer; son in law Chad Greer (Anna)

and several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his daughter Katya Greer.

Mr. Otto Czerepak was born on November 5, 1943 in Asten, Austria. He attended Military School in

Austria until coming to the States in 1953. Otto graduated from Potsdam Central High School in 1961.

He served in the United States Army from 1961-64. Upon returning to the States he attended

Potsdam State Teachers College majoring in Art and Art History. He graduated in 1968. On December

5, 1970 he married Teny Gordanier at Allen’s Falls in Parishville, NY. Otto worked construction in the

North Country for many years and inspired many with his art and craftsmanship. From 1984-99 Otto

was Assistant Women’s Soccer Coach at Clarkson University. Otto mentored young athletes and gave

freely of his talents, insight and drive. In 1999 he opened The Tile Company with Laura Passmore in

downtown Potsdam, expanding his vision with the Creative Spirit Art Center and Art Gallery later

named in honor of his daughter Katya Greer.

Otto was a beloved and benevolent humanitarian whose greatest passion and gift was inspiring others

to pursue and develop their inner spirit. Otto, Otie, Daddio will be forever missed and his spirit will

live on in the heartbeat of this community.