Obituary of Otto Lehre

Otto Lehre, 96, of Greentown, died Sunday, February 22, 2009, five weeks before his 97th birthday, at Wayne Memorial Hospital in Honesdale. Born on March 30, 1912 in Rastatt, Germany, he was the son of the late Gottlieb and Karoline (Schmieder) Lehre. In 1927 the family came to America to live in Newark, NJ. Otto was an Apprentice Tool and Die Maker in Germany. When they moved to the United States, he worked and went to night school to learn English to become a Journeyman Tool and Die Maker. While riding the Trolley to work every day, he met the love of his life, Anna Beierle. They were married on May 3, 1941 and shared 58 years together prior to her death in March of 2000. Otto and Anna spent their younger years in Springfield, NJ. In 1943, at the age of 31, he was drafted into the US Army and served in World War II. He served stateside because of his German heritage. Otto became a Master Mechanic and Foreman of the Tool and Die Shop, designing, building and maintaining machines for Stirling Plastics Co. In 1974 Otto retired and moved to Greentown. He designed and built a wood burning stove with a hot water system to heat his home. Otto cut and split wood for the stove until he was 92 years old. They enjoyed traveling to Europe and driving around the United States in a motor home, at times with children and grandchildren. He was a hard worker, good provider, and an honest and respected man. He also liked to have a good time with family and friends. He loved to dance and play cards and especially loved spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is survived by two daughters, Janet Adams and her husband, Richard of Greentown, with whom he resided, Joyce Borley and her husband, Robert of Jericho, NY; four grandchildren, Erik Adams and his wife, Leyla of Portland, OR, Marcus Adams and his wife Kristen of Beachwood, NJ, Michael Adams and his wife Lynn of Newtown, Laura Borley of Jericho, NY; and six great grandchildren, Collin, Mikayla, Ashleigh, Morgan, Sophie and Logan. In addition to his wife and parents, Otto was preceded in death by a brother, Frederick Lehre and sister, Anna Freudenberger. A private ceremony to scatter his ashes will take place at a later date. Private cremation was entrusted to the Bolock Funeral Home Crematory. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Promised Land Fire and Ambulance Co., Route 390, Greentown, Pa. 18426 or to the charity of your choice in Otto's name.