Otto John Buchmann age 91 of Polson passed away on Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at The Retreat Assisted Living Home from natural causes. He was born December 20, 1916 at Rhine, North Dakota to John J. and Carolina Scheidt Buchmann. He received his elementary education in rural schools. He served in the United States Army in the 776 Tank Destroyer Battalion from March 1941 to August 1945 serving in Tunisa, Naples-Foggia, Rome-Arno, Rhineland and central Europe, where he received a Presidential Unit Citation, American Defense Medal and the Bronze Star for helping to save the life of General George Patton who was trapped under heavy enemy gun fire. After that when General Patton was near the 776 Battalion he would make a point to always go and see Otto and again thank him for what he did. One of the saddest days of Otto’s life was when General Patton was killed in an accident. After the war Otto married Lucille Sagmiller in 1946 at Beulah, ND.
Otto worked as a carpenter/maintenance man for the Flathead Irrigation and Power Project in Polson. He was a member of the V.F.W., National Association of Retired & Federal Employees, and served on the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Council and was the head usher for more than 20 years. In his free time he enjoyed working in his wood shop, flower garden, and vegetable garden.
He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 sisters and daughter Cheryl Buchmann. He is survived by his loving wife Lucille Buchmann of Polson, sons- Dennis (Sandi) Buchmann of Brewster, WA, Douglas Buchmann of Crockett, Texas, Leslie (Diana Buchmann of Polson, Mt., sisters Wilma Thomas of Hazen, ND, Pearl Weil and Romona Kasanke both of Zap, ND, and Caroline (Mervin) Koehler of Turtle Lake, ND, brothers, Eugene (Lorraine) Buchmann, and John (Linda) Buchmann both of Beulah, ND, and Donald (Lila) Buchmann of Pelican Rapids, MN, 3 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Memorials may be made in Otto’s name to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 1, 2008 from noon to 5 pm and Wednesday, July 2, 2008 from 9 am to 5 pm in the Grogan Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Thursday July 3, 2008 at 1:30 pm in the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church with Rev. Paul Rowold officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at Lakeview Cemetery.