Otto Christian Standhardt

Otto Christian Standhardt, 97 passed away peacefully Wednesday morning May 22, 2024 at his Pottstown home surrounded by his family.

Otto was born on a small farm in Sassamansville, PA on May 3, 1927. On his first day of school, he only spoke German and couldn’t understand what was being said so he quickly ran home. The following day, his mother brought him right back thus instilling in him, at a very young age, the importance of education and learning. From 3rd thru 12th grade Otto attended school in the Pottstown School District. After graduating in 1945, he joined the US Navy, where he served for 27 months. Upon his discharge, he decided to attend college and in 1953, he graduated from Penn State with a degree in electrical engineering.

His employer for 43 years was Sanders and Thomas Engineering Firm where he mostly worked as a control and instrumentation engineer. He enjoyed his job there immensely because of the interesting projects with which he was involved. Projects included: deep ocean hyperbaric chamber facility (FL), pulp mill (MA), data and communication center for Dade County (FL), hypersonic wind tunnel (OH), and nuclear materials processing facility(OH).

Otto met his beloved wife Pauline J. Demediuk in the summer of 1953 at the Vienna Restaurant in Pottstown where she worked as a server. They married on September 4, 1955. Soon after they were married, Otto was ordained a deacon in the New Apostolic Church. Their young married life was filled with church activities, teaching Sunday School, attending concerts, and

traveling throughout the US and Europe, in addition to their day jobs. The year 1963 brought a life-changing event when Otto and Pauline became parents to a baby girl, Lori. Otto’s kind, patient, and generous nature made him a wonderful father.

Otto greatly enjoyed working with his hands using skills both learned in the vo-tech program in high school as well as the engineering program in college. He worked around his house (as well as other people’s homes) painting, papering, building, and upgrading electricity and plumbing. At church he was responsible for the audio and visual during the services as well as making many beautiful wooden crosses that hung in the sanctuary. Otto knew how to fix anything and did it to perfection. He carried his interest in learning throughout his life, always discovering new things through reading, research, documentaries, or just by speaking with others.

In 2007, Otto took a trip to China that combined many of his interests and loves. While there he traveled extensively, learned about the history, experienced the culture, and tried new foods (Chinese food was his favorite since college). But best of all, that is when he became a grandfather. His daughter and son-in-law adopted a baby girl. Lili always held a special place in Otto’s heart, and she and her Papa would often play games, complete puzzles, and build together. It was his joy to share his love of learning with her.

Otto was predeceased by his parents, Theodore and Rosine (Schoenaman), 4 step-brothers; Theodore, Walter, Albert, Emil and 2 step-sisters; Elsie (Ewart), Frieda (Dieterle) and 12 nieces and nephews and 1 half brother Karl Kuhnberger, 1 half sister Johanna (Buhner) and 2 nephews.

He leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories with his wife Pauline (Demediuk) and daughter Lori married to Ted Freese, and one granddaughter, Lili Freese.

Services will be held on Saturday May 25, 2024 at 11:00 with visitation from 9:15-10:45 at the Schumacher & Benner Funeral Home & Crematory, 359 King Street, Pottstown PA 19464. Burial will follow at Highland Memorial Park, 701 Farmington Avenue, Pottstown, PA 19464.

Otto contributed to many charities. Some of his favorites were Wounded Warrior Project, Philabundance, Salvation Army, Tunnel to Towers Foundation, NAC Youth Fund. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in his memory to one of his favorites or choose one of your own.

Otto will be deeply missed but will be remembered by his friendly smile and genuine kindness.