Otto Adolph Alois Saemann

The family of Otto Adolph Alois Saemann is deeply saddened to announce his passing in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan on Monday, October 22nd, 2018 at the age of 88 years.  Otto was surrounded by his loving family at the time of his passing.  Otto was born in Pirmasens, Germany in March of 1930 to Karl and Katharina Sämann, where he grew up against the backdrop of the Second World War.  In 1948, he met the love of his life Irmgard Schmitt, who became Irmgard Saemann when they married on September 23rd, 1950.  In 1952, along with their eldest son Peter, the young family immigrated to Canada to build a new life in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, where they would add five more children.  Otto worked for various construction companies before opening Otto Cabinets, his own finishing carpentry business. He was a perfectionist and there was never a shortage of work for a man with his skills.  Eventually, Otto decided to close his business and work for Cardinal Construction, where he was employed until a shoulder injury forced him into early retirement. Otto lent his exquisite workmanship to the construction of many of the buildings that comprise the landscape in Moose Jaw, including the Temple Gardens Hotel and Spa, North Hill Fire Hall, Sunningdale Elementary School, and C.E. Building at the Canadian Forces Base in Moose Jaw.  In terms of his interests, Otto played on the Rot-Weiss soccer team as a young man in Germany and he also enjoyed fishing, gardening, hockey, football and travelling. Otto was an enthusiastic supporter of Die Mannschaft, the German national soccer team. He coached hockey and soccer teams in the 1970s. His family and all those who knew him will profoundly miss him. He was predeceased by the following family members: his brother, Karl Sämann, who died in the Second World War at the age of 19 years; his father, Karl Sämann (1982); his mother, Katharina, (1983); his sister, Katharina Aussner (2013); and his son, Karl Saemann (2017).  Otto is survived by the family matriarch and his wife of 68 years, Irmgard; his sons: Peter, Ralph, Stephan (Pauline); daughters, Monica, and Susan (John); daughter-in-law, Jennifer; grandchildren, who were the light of his life: Tyson Saemann (Alica), Ashley Saemann (Jon), Allison Saemann (Jason), Jason Saemann, Erin Campbell (Chris), Angela Blondeau (Andrés) , Charlotte Blondeau, Joseph Blondeau (Katie), Tammy Neufeld (Kelly), Bryan Rooney (Jacy), Robert Rooney, Shannon Saemann, Kelli Hawtin (Mitch), Emily Demeester, Stephanie Saemann, Erica Saemann;  sixteen great-grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. The Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, October 30th, 2018 at 1:30 p.m. in Moose Jaw Funeral Home.  Dave Foley will officiate and interment will take place at Rosedale Cemetery.  Flowers are gratefully declined. As an expression of sympathy, donations in Otto’s name may be made to the Beaver Creek Camp c/o Salvation Army, 175 1st Ave NE, Moose Jaw, SK S6H 0Y9.  Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane.  Todd Sjoberg, Funeral Director 306-693-4550