Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Otto Heinz Florschutz III, a nearly forty year resident of Wrangell, Alaska, departed mortality on November 20th, 2023. A private service will be held for the family, with a public memorial to be announced at a later date.

Otto was born in Wilmington, Delaware, on April 4th, 1958. He graduated from Washington High School in North Carolina before attending Beaufort County Community College to become a machinist, work he continued to enjoy throughout his life. Bitten by a wanderlust, Otto hitchhiked across the United States, aiming to see as much of it as he could, before landing in Alaska. Upon arrival to Sitka, having only twenty dollars in his pocket, he resolved to make the state his home.

Otto loved working outdoors and with his hands, and so found a lifelong career in commercial fishing, continuing to explore and pursue new fisheries until his passing. In addition, he worked at Alaska Airlines from January of 2001 until his retirement in May 2014.

As a member of the Southeast Alaska community, Ottie was known by many. He served many years in the Branch Presidency of the local congregation of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, as well as filling many other roles as needed. He served on the Wrangell Port Commission, laying the groundwork for and advocating heavily in favor of the Wrangell Shipyard. Later in life, he even ran for Congress.

Otto was an avid lover of the Alaskan experience and wilderness, frequently hunting when he wasn’t commercial or subsistence fishing. Rarely able to sit still for long, he was always in search of his next project or new hobby. He could frequently be found at the harbor or around town, alternating between work and saying hello to every friend who wandered by.

Otto is survived by his wife, Christina Florschutz, his four children, four grandchildren, his parents, three sisters, and multiple nieces, nephews and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his sister, Teresa.

He will be greatly missed, but his family and friends will remember him forever.

Memorial contributions may be made to Wrangle Search and Rescue by calling (907) 874-3363.