Fr. Otto passed away peacefully on May 9, 2022 at Mount Saint Joseph Hospital in Vancouver BC.
Fr. Otto was born March 21, 1938 in Fusilier, SK to parents Peter and Mary Rollheiser (nee Kress) both from Saratov, Russia. There were 11 children in the family. He is predeceased by siblings: Elizabeth Rollheiser, Pete Rollheiser, Rose Jarabek, Paul Rollheiser and Gabe Rollheiser. He is survived by his sisters: Sister Loretta Rollheiser (Sisters of St. Joseph), and Mary Little and brothers: Joseph Rollheiser, Ed Rollheiser (Marie), Norbert Rollheiser (Nancy), and sister-in-law Sharon Rollheiser (Gabe). He is also survived by 32 nieces and nephews, many great nephews and nieces as well as a number of great-great nieces and nephews.
Fr. Otto was Ordained to the Priesthood in the Congregation of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, June 8, 1963 at the Holy Rosary Cathedral in Vancouver, BC. His first Obedience was as a Missionary to Peru in 1963. He served there for 15 years, which he referred to as wonderful and a “tremendously blessed experience”
His other obediences, all in BC include: Pastor at: Immaculate Heart of Mary, Burns Lake; Christ the King, Kitimat; Sacred Heart, Merritt; St. Theresa (Hispanic Outreach) Kelowna; Provincial Council and Provincial Superior – Vancouver and Administrator - Sacred Heart & St. Paul’s Parishes Vancouver. Fr. Otto retired at The Crescent, Vancouver BC in 2014.
Fr. Otto was blessed with a spirit of hospitality. He enjoyed people, travel, music, reading, history and sports.. He appreciated cultures (had a passion to serve the Mexican migrant workers in Kelowna). Fr. Otto will be fondly remembered by his Oblate brothers, family and many friends.
Funeral services - Viewing at 9:30am and Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 24th, at 10:00 am at St. Augustine’s Church, 2028 West 7th Avenue, Vancouver, BC. Following the Mass, a light reception will be held at the parish centre. Interment at the Oblate cemetery in Mission, BC.