Otto Hermann Klemke

Otto H. Klemke

Otto H. Klemke, Niobrara homesteader, Wyoming's first registered stock broker and longtime Lusk businessman, died here last Thursday evening.

Mr. Klemke, 91, who was still actively involved in his real estale business here was the oldest licensed real estate broker in the state. He became a stock broker in 1937, and for 40 years had his own stocks, bonds, and insurance business, as well as being a real estate broker.

In 1975 Mr. Klemke sold his business to Mile Hi Realty with the intention of retiring, but in 1978 he bought the business back.

Otto Hermann Klemke was born February 20, 1889, at Lawn, Neb. He was the first child born to Constantine and Martha Klemke. His nine brothers and sisters were Walter, Helmuth, Martha, Metha, Henry, Joseph, Ida, Albert and Elsie. Walter, Helmuth, Metha, and Henry preceeded Otto in death.

The family was raised on a farm near Hemingford, Neb. In November of 1913, Otto and brother Walter came to adjoining homesteads four miles north of Lusk. Along with homesteading, Otto was employed at Mayes Grocery in Lusk for many years. While employed at that firm he met Maria Owens and they were married on Sept. 17, 1917.

Later in 1917 Otto was called to serve his country in the U.S. Army, was stationed at Camp Lewis in Washington state and later transferred to the Presidio at San Francisco, Calif. as sergeant in charge of the Post Exchange. Upon discharge from the service he returned to Lusk where he served as cashier at the Wyoming State Bank for several years.

Otto and Maria raised four children: Otto Jr. of Cheyenne, Viola Marie McCullough of Thornton, Colo., Geraldine Louise of Charleston, W.Va., and Kenneth Keith of Chula Vista, Calif. There are nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Maria died May 26, 1949, and in 1952 Otto married Ruth Quinn. Ruth died December 1, 1974, and Otto became a widower the second time.

Otto and his family lived in Lusk, except for nine years - 1925 to 1934 - when he was assistant cashier at the American National Bank in Scottsbluff.

He returned to Lusk to become a cashier at the Lusk State Bank for many years and became a stock broker.

For 61 years Otto was a member of the Wieten-Dupes Post No. 4, American Legion here; held a 50-year membership in the 40 and 8, Voiture No. 851; was a member of the National Association of Security dealers and an active emember of the Lusk Lions Club for many years. He was a member of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church through his many years in Lusk.

During his younger years Otto tramped the hills of Wyoming looking for rocks and Indian artifacts. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, travel and sight-seeing.

Memorial service was held at Peet Mortuary Chapel Sunday afternoon with the Rev. Beauferd Anderson officiating.

Music was provded by Ruth Hahn, organist and singers were Deb Doctor, Barbara Hahn, Angela Kupke and Jocelyn Stoldt. Songs were "Abide With Me" and "How Great Thou Art."

Interment was in the Lusk Cemetery. Active pallbearers were Dennis Meier, Kester Akers, Earnest Lemons, Donald Hoy, Leonard DeGering and Robert Owens.

Honorary bearers were Martin Glandt, Melvin Meier, C.E. Marvin, Harry Austin, Archie Huey, Joe O'Brien, Don Taylor, Coolery Tayloy, Delmer Alter, Otto Krekeler, Howard Weymouth, Gerald Quinn, Andrew McMaster and Walter Farrell.

A memorial has been established to St. Paul's Lutheran Church.

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