Otto Iszler, 96, of Silverton, Idaho, passed away November 9, 2011, at the Silver Wood Good Samaritan of Silverton, Idaho. He was born December 2, 1914 in a small town named Venturia, North Dakota; in an area inhabited by German speaking immigrants; Otto was the son of German and Russian parents Balthaser, Jr. and Eva (Dockter) Iszler.
Otto’s father insisted that Otto go to school and learn the language of this new country. The schoolhouse was one room with one teacher for grades 1-5 and another teacher for grades 6-9. Otto’s teacher encouraged him and other students to read a lot of books; he read at home by kerosene lantern. After finishing the ninth grade in Venturia, Otto took and passed a state required exam in order to enter high school in Ashley, North Dakota, where he graduated in 1933. After finishing earning a four year scholarship to continue his education, Otto was able to enter Jamestown College. The scholarship paid for tuition, which meant that Otto had to work and live with friends of his family. Otto worked in the commissary washing dishes for his room and board at the college. Otto completed his studies and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in History and Education in 1937; he also received a certificate for teaching.
Otto entered the teaching profession at Judd, North Dakota, where he taught high school and coached the boys’ and girls’ sports teams. At the end of four years, he applied for and was hired for a better position in Belfry, Montana. During the summers, Otto attended the University of Montana to work towards a master’s degree in Education Administration.
At Belfry, Montana, Otto taught English, History, Government and Business Law, directed school plays, sponsored the school newspaper and served as coach of the basketball and track team for both boys and girls. While at Belfry, Otto met a beautiful Home Economics teacher named Jane Selkirk. Jane and Otto were chaperoning a school dance, when the news arrived that the Japanese had bombed Pearl Harbor. Otto proposed to Jane while the radio was playing “You Are My Sunshine”. Otto received orders to report for military service and Jane and Otto decided to be married during Christmas vacation. They were wed in Roswell, New Mexico on December 23, 1942, where Otto was stationed as a member of the Quartermaster Corp. at the commissary.
Otto and Jane were only together for a week, when he was ordered to report to Fort Benning, Georgia, for officers’ training, where Otto graduated and was commissioned Second Lieutenant. Otto was sent to various military bases for combat training in Texas, Louisiana and finally Tennessee. He was then sent to Fort Ord, California and from there placed on a British ship, which subsequently docked at Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, Hawaii. Otto was attached to the Adjutant General’s office, which oversaw the Message Center which served all the communications for all the Pacific Islands. After the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the Japanese surrendered. Due to the length of time it took to bring all the troops home and send them to the main land, the U.S. government set up in Honolulu a college called the College of Honolulu. This was for military personnel and returning veterans, so they could continue their education; Otto was assigned to teach there for two years. After receiving his discharge, Otto arrived in Seattle, Washington, where he was met by his beloved wife after a four year separation.
Otto returned to the University of Montana to complete his Master’s degree under the G.I. bill; he majored in German Foreign Policy.
Otto and Jane accepted teaching positions at the Wallace High School of Wallace, Idaho in 1946. Otto taught History, Government and English and was Assistant Coach for the football team and coached the JV basketball team. He was the supervisor of the school newspaper and directed high school plays. Otto also taught a course in news writing and coordinated the publishing of the school Annual the “Prospector”. Otto was appointed Principal in 1949 and continued to teach during his ten years in that position. In 1969, Otto became School Superintendent. All together, he served the District for thirty years. Otto retired in 1979.
Otto was elected to the Board of High School Activities Association and served as President twice during the time he was a member. He was inducted into the Idaho High School Hall of Fame Activities Association in 1988. In 1996, Otto was given the Wallace High School Hall of Fame award and made an honorary member of the football team. Otto served as President of Idaho Schools Administrators Association of School Superintendents and received the meritorious award; he was honored several times on this committee. Otto was appointed to the Council of Title Three and served for a number of years. This committee formed the foundation for the improvement of retirement for public employees. The result was the entity known today as PERSI. Otto was a life-time member of the Wallace Elks, a member of the Wallace Rotary Club, a member of the Wallace Masonic Lodge and a member of the V.F.W. Otto loved and enjoyed fishing, playing cards, and chatting with his numerous friends. He loved the many fine people of the Silver Valley.
Otto is survived by his beloved wife Jane Iszler of Silverton, Idaho; three sisters Helen Frisch of Ashley, North Dakota, Irma Connors of Kellogg, Idaho and Arlone Binder of Beaverton, Oregon; numerous nieces and nephews including his niece Sabra Anderson, and numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Eva and Balthaser Iszler, Jr.; two sisters Ema Rall, Mary Baker; one brother Albert Iszler; and a brother-in-law James Selkirk.
Cremation was held and Memorial Services will be held on Friday, December 2, 2011, at 11:00 A.M., at the United Church Of Christ Congregational of Wallace, Idaho with Rev. Bob Evans officiating. A reception for family and friends will be held at the Wallace Elks following services.
The family suggests that memorials may be made to the Otto Iszler Wallace High School Scholarship Fund, 405 Seventh Street Wallace, Idaho 83873.
SHOSHONE FUNERAL SERVICES & CREMATORY KELLOGG, IDAHO is entrusted with funeral arrangements.
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I remember Otto very well and he was my Principle and friend; Otto was allays an inspiration to me and always greeted me with a smile and a hand shake! When I returned to Wallace after 20 years of being away for military service, business experiennce and returned for a visit; one of the first people I met was Otto in the hallway at school which was the gym when I attended chool in wallace, Otto greeted me with my name a smile and another handshake. I graduated from Wallace High in 1956 and always thought of Otto as my friend and my Principle. The world will genuinely miss him! Love, -- Lynn Ellsworth
I graduated from Wallace High School in 1956 and always loved Mr. Izler. He was a great principal and always friendly and kind. He will be missed on this earth but certainly deserves to be where he is now. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. -- Shirley Lambeth
I had the great honor of knowing both Otto and Jane throughout my years as a student in Wallace. Mrs. Iszler will forever be my favorite teacher in 4th grade and I have fond memories of Mr. Iszler as our superintendent. I have worked in education now for over 20 years. What an impressive career he had and a truly wonderful life, touching the lives of so many. He will be missed. Take care Jane. -- Lynn (Battleson) Towne
Dear sweet Jane -- I just want you to know Mary Ann and I are thinking of you -- we love you and Otto -- take care, sweet lady. -- Becky Fudge Molander
Otto was a gifted mentor and taught me much, not only during my school years but as an adult. He invited me to join Rotary and for that I am deeply thankful. This gave me an avenue for service locally in our community, as well as on an international scale. Otto enriched our community and gave much to our community and to our youth. When winter came we youth would look forward to lots of snow and even maybe a snow-day off from school. It rarely happened though bcause Otto drove a jeep and if he could make it to school, then school rarely closed for the day. We will miss him personally and community-wide. -- Dorothy E. (Hayman) Thielman
Jane I am sorry to hear about your loss Otto. He will be missed. -- Cindy Taylor
Dearest Jane, Irma and Sabra, Otto was such a special man. The Ladies Aux VFW have so many wonderful memories of him. We always brought him a special gift at Christmas as our adopted Veteran. His favorite was cologne and he always wanted to put some on as soon as it was opened. His humor and loving smile among his many other atributes will always be remembered. Thank you for your service Otto. -- Julie Robbins President LA VFW
Otto was a wonderful man. I remember each year in late August I would look out our kitchen window and see Otto inspecting our corn. We always made sure he got the first two ears. I will always remember with fondness our weekly cribbage games. He would usually beat me even though he could hardly see. Jane I am so sorry that I cannot be there for the Memorial Service. I'm going to miss him a lot but I know he is in a better place. -- Denny Adams
Otto, I look forward to seeing you again, you working in your roses and I next door in the corn patch listening to you hum as you work! You were our neighbor, friend and family, and we loved you! -- Janet Adams
To Miss Janie and Sabra I am so sorry for your loss I often remember Otto with kind thoughts. This is a great loss for rthe family and community. Again my Deepest Sympathy. -- Ruth Anne Nagle LPN
Otto, you were a wonderful man. I considered you my Grandpa. I will miss you very much but am happy that you are now able to fish and golf again. I have so many great memories growing up next door to you. Thank you for being so wonderful to my family. I love and miss you and look forward to seeing you again one day. -- Heidi Clary
