Ottmar Barth

Ottmar C. “Otto” Barth, 93, Mandan, passed away Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at Miller Pointe in Mandan. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 AM, Monday, October 28 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Mandan with Fr. Josh Waltz presiding. Burial will follow at Mandan Union Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7 PM with a KC Rosary and Parish Vigil at 7 PM on Sunday, October 27 at Weigel Funeral Home in Mandan.

Ottmar was born on March 28, 1931, the son of Kasper and Barbara (Heck) Barth. He grew up on a farm in rural Center, ND, moving to Mandan in 1957. 

At a rural weekend dance, he asked his future wife to dance. After stepping on her toes, their fate was set. June 18th, 1951 began early with milking cows, rosary, and a wedding mass at 10am. He married Mary Ellen Ferderer and together they raised 5 children and celebrated 71 years of marriage. Dad’s advice for marriage, “Just one day at a time”; Mom’s advice, “No secret, just work together”.

After moving to Mandan, Dad found employment at Foremost/Cass Clay Creamery where he worked for 35 years, retiring at the age of 62. Because of his early morning shifts, Dad became the main supper cook, a task he enjoyed as he became a master at many delicious meals. His most requested meal was fried chicken.

Dad had many lifelong friends, beginning at childhood and continuing throughout his life. Dad enjoyed dancing and was a great polka dancer. Saturday nights consisted of dressing up, dinner out, and then dancing. After dancing all night, the party continued at the house with more socializing and usually included a late-night breakfast. 

Pinochle was another form of socializing. Always up for a game. He was a serious player, always keeping track of what cards were played. He had an exceptional memory that stayed with him till the end. Dad was known to confidently bid his hand. Dad and Mom had many great memories with their pinochle club, the group staying together for many years. Dad and Mom continued playing at local clubs and family gatherings with one of his many card partners being his great-grandson, Carson. 

In their early years, Dad and Mom enjoyed camping and fishing. Fishing became a lifelong sport for Dad continuing through retirement, getting up before sunrise and meeting up with his fishing buddy, Matt Sturn. Often spending the entire day on the riverbank fishing. Even when no fish were caught, Dad would say, “it was a great day”. 

Retirement brought on a new life for Dad that he thoroughly enjoyed. Planting potatoes, spitting sunflower seeds while relaxing on the back deck, washing the vehicles by hand. Because he had extra time, he delivered the Finder to small towns, enjoying visiting and eating lunch at local cafes. He was able to farm again, helping on the farm of his daughter and son-in-law.

Dad and Mom enjoyed many years traveling with friends and family as well as volunteering at ND Game and Fish, St. Alexius Hospital, and many events at the Civic Center.

Dad will be greatly missed by his children Ron (Linda) Barth, Colleen (Gordy) Knoll, Randy (Pam) Barth and Carol (Brendan) Ternes; 8 Grandchildren; 10 Great Grandchildren; 2 sisters, Betty Schaner and Kathy Schmidt, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Mary, his daughter Cynthia Bullinger, his parents, and several siblings. 

The family wishes to thank the staff at Miller Pointe for their loving care for Dad.