Our long-time auctioneer, respected cattleman, and our friend.
Otto at the Killam Auction after one of our first bull sales in the early 1980s. He always had time for the people, a coffee, and a visit. Pictured to the far right, seated in the middle, is Eldon Van Straten, an astute cattleman who passed on in August 2022. Eldon purchased his last bulls from us in February 2022.
Otto was always a big supporter of our program and our family, on and off the auction block. In 2011, after 28 years of auctioneering our sale, Otto decided it was time to hand the reins on to the younger generation. Otto recalls that he was “always enthused about selling the Rawe Ranch sale, because it was a ‘NO BULL’ good bull sale. Good bulls for good cattlemen.” When he decided to retire, he took the time to write this letter… a testament to his faith in us, and the thoughtful person he was. Marie recalls Otto giving her some advice about putting the bull sale catalogue together; he told her she should include some “feel good” pictures that connect with peoples’ hearts. Otto had a real fondness for the people in the cattle industry.
Otto LaVerne Streberg
(August 5, 1939 - January 8, 2023)
Otto LaVerne Streberg was born on August 5, 1939 to Seth “Alfonse” and Irene Streberg in Stettler, Alberta. He passed away at St. Mary’s Hospital, in Camrose, Alberta on January 8th at the age of 83 years.
Otto was baptized and confirmed in Emmanuel Lutheran Church Meeting Creek in the Lutheran faith. His faith was always important to him and at the time of his passing, he was a member of St. Joseph Lutheran church, Hay Lakes.
Otto met his wife Marlene in Meeting Creek school. They were married at Bethany Lutheran church in Donalda on June 3rd, 1961. They became parents to John, Daniel and Julie. Otto is survived by his wife Marlene; his children John (Gail) Streberg of Camrose, Daniel (Vanessa) Streberg of Nanaimo, and Julie (Rick) Evans of Kitscoty; his grandchildren Amanda (Chris) Soroka, Cody (Aaron) Coutney, Erich (Tara) Streberg, Jacob Streberg (Reshma Nair), Luke (Cynthia) Streberg, Monica Streberg (Keenan Cote), Mark Streberg, and Caroline Evans; his step Grandchildren Casey, and Jessica; his great-grandchildren Blake Lohr, Finley Clark, Caybree and Taylor Coutney, and Alexander Cote; three step great-grandchildren Taylor, Adriene and Nolan Soroka; his sister Doreen (Bob) Walline; brother Dennis (Muriel); and his many friends along the way.
He was predeceased by his parents Seth “Alfonse” and Irene; his brother Gerry; and sister June Agrey.
He grew up on the farm at Meeting Creek where he learned a strong work ethic that he carried with him throughout his life. Even hunting muskrats became a means of raising money. The muskrats he and Dennis brought home would be skinned by their Swedish grandfather who lived with them at the time. They would then be sold to help with farm expenses. His Grandpa John, insisted on speaking to them in Swedish, so Otto had a somewhat grasp of the language. In the early years, Otto and his siblings either walked or rode horseback to the country school Hazel Grove. Later when the school closed, he attended school in Meeting Creek. He finished his schooling at the Camrose Lutheran College. He loved playing on the football team. During fall harvest on the farm, he missed many days of school, but never missed a football game.
Otto started as a farmer but his passion was always auctioneering. Farming soon took second place as he was off to a sale someplace most days. He decided to get more serious about the auction business and attended a two-week course at Western College of Auctioneering in Billing’s, Montana. He was then invited back many times to be one of the lead instructors there. Later in life, he started the Camrose College of Auctioneering with his partner Ken Jacobson.
His Auction career began in Vancouver, he realized city living and furniture auctions weren’t for him. He moved back home to the farm in Meeting Creek. Farming wasn’t what he wanted to be doing either, and so with the help of his business minded Father Alfonse, his Mother Irene and brother Dennis, they bought Camrose Auction Market in 1965 and later the Killam and St. Paul Auction Markets as well. The Saturday sales were the weekly gathering point of the community selling hay, hogs, baby calves and all classes of livestock. He also took a lot of pride in participating in many charity auctions. Horse, lumber, grocery and antique sales were also very popular.
Spring and fall were always busy with farm sales, and as his career progressed, he became a well sought-after auctioneer to sell cattle stock shows. The highlight of his career was auctioning exotic cattle when bringing them in from Europe became popular. He travelled to England and France to select breeding stock to be brought to Canada. Specialized sales of exotic cattle, especially Maine Anjou, took him to places such as the Toronto Royal, Regina Agribition, Houston and Denver stock shows, and once sold Johnny Carson’s quarter horses. Otto made a lot friends along the way. In later years he enjoyed trips to LaCrete where he was involved with the local auction there. Otto finished his career buying commercial cattle for various Alberta feedlots.
In later years, he and Marlene enjoyed golfing and travelling some place warm in the winter, especially Palm Springs, where they had friends from home. Spending time at his hunting cabin with members of his family who also shared a passion for hunting.
Otto, in his illness, which involved many months in and out of hospital, never lost his sense of humour. He was always polite and thankful for all the tender loving care he received at St. Mary’s Hospital and Camrose Home Care. A special thanks to all of them.
A private memorial service will be held at Bethel Lutheran Church at a later date..