Otto Frank Schweska

Otto Frank Schweska died peacefully in his sleep on Sunday morning, December 14, 2014 in Tallahassee Florida. He was 90 years of age. Otto was born in Springfield Illinois on September 12th, 1924. Otto was predeceased by his parents Otto and Justine Schweska, his brother Albert and sister Millie; and his wives Jessica and Ingrid.

He is survived by his sons Eric Schweska of Tallahassee, Otto (Bud) Schweska of New York, and John Schweska of New Jersey. Daughter-in-laws, Dorothy and Tonya Schweska, grandsons Zack Schweska, Chris Rew; granddaughters Kearstin Rew and Kayla King, and numerous nieces and nephews.

If anyone can be defined as part of the greatest generation, it was Otto. He joined the Navy in 1943, serving in the Great Lakes, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and the South Pacific aboard the destroyer U.S.S. Stern. The U.S.S. Stern received three battle stars for World War II service. He also served in the U.S. Merchant Marines on the U.S.S. Stoddard in Guantanamo Bay and in the Mediterranean.

After military service, Otto worked in building and electrical construction, and as an engineer on tug boats on the Hudson river in New York. Later, work took him to southeast asia, building schools, roads and bridges. Just prior to the Vietnam War, Otto returned to the United States where he settled in Tallahassee Florida. In addition to running an electrical contracting business, he became actively involved with his wife, Ingrid in numerous local theater productions, employing his skills in set design and lighting.

Otto later lived in Alaska for 24 years and worked on the Alaskan pipeline, the D.E.W. line, and the Alaska Ferry System.

Otto’s interests were diverse - he was an avid follower of the political scene and was true to his conservative beliefs and values. He read voraciously, and would never walk around without a book in his hand or in his back pocket. Mysteries, biographies, and books related to history and nature were favorites. His son Bud recalls his father calling with many book recommendations. Otto was a lover of nature and took a special interest in birds and bird watching. He was skilled in woodworking and loved painting and various crafts.

The family would like to offer special thanks to the caregivers and staff of Big Bend Hospice for their compassionate and professional care. A memorial service will be held for family and friends on Tuesday, December 16th at Culley’s MeadowWood on Riggins Road. Public visitation at 6:00 p.m. and a service at 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations may be made to Big Bend Hospice, or St. Francis Wildlife Association