Otto Kurt Scheu

Otto Kurt Scheu, born on September 29, 1943, passed away suddenly and peacefully on February 20, 2017 in Florida while enjoying winter vacation. Born in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, he was the son of German immigrants Otto Scheu and Gertrude Grotz Scheu. He was married to the love of his life, Hermine Keyser Scheu, for 33 and a half years. He loved family and they wed at the family reunion on August 20, 1983.


A lover of life, Otto was a truly giving, selfless man -- always thinking about his dear Hermine and loved ones. He was happiest spending time with Hermine and being surrounded by his children and family. He freely expressed his love to family and was also devoted to his "twin" miniature schnauzers Wolfie and Junie. Otto was known for his warm and sunny personality, compassion, and his wonderful sense of humor. He loved to laugh and make others laugh, and his smile and kindness made people feel welcome. He enjoyed exploring the world on cruises and vacationing in Lake Placid, Florida; playing cards with his sister; yard-saling and finding great bargains; and avidly collecting many things.


Otto graduated from Onteora High School, class of 1961, earning a football scholarship to Norwich University (and was a fan of many sports throughout his life). He graduated from Norwich, class of 1965, with a Bachelors Degree in Mathematics and minor in Psychology. In college he served in the Army ROTC. He worked for the New York State Lottery for 12 years, retiring as Regional Manager in 2009. The lottery was his dream career, as he was happiest working with people. His previous jobs included working for IBM for many years, real estate, and doing sheet metal work with his father.


Otto is survived by his beloved wife Hermine; daughter Katie Scheu and fiancé Christopher Cupernall; daughters Amy Bujak and companion Doug Longto, Lisa Scheu and companion Darrin Schechter, son Adam Scheu and companion Shannen Grundler, and Amy, Lisa, and Adam's mother Lorraine Kearney; granddaughters Britney, Kelsey, and Jenna Bujak and their father Donald Bujak; sisters Elsie Howe and Trudy Battaly; sisters-in-law Krista L. Keyser and Gina Pambianchi; cousins Karlyn Elia and Dick Duncan; in-laws Eric and Beth and Bill and Kathy Keyser; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents.


Entrusted to the care of Keyser Funeral & Cremation Service, 326 Albany Ave., Kingston, where friends and family may visit on Wednesday March 1, from 5pm to 8pm. The funeral will take place on Thursday March 2, at 1pm at the funeral home. In honor of Otto's joy for life, please feel welcome to wear colorful clothing to his services. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Kidney Fund ( www.kidneyfund.org ) and Catskill Animal Sanctuary ( https://casanctuary.org/ ).