Community activist.
Born in Bekersdorf, Austria in 1901 to Krystina “Christina” Mueller (1863-1958) and Johann “John” Ottenbreit (1854-1931), he immigrated to Canada with his family in 1904. They settled on a farm in the Cromwell area. In 1932, he married Mary Kozina (1914-2005) and they went on to have four children. After his retirement from farming they moved to the town of Beausejour where he continued his involvement in the community as an organizer and volunteer.
He gave freely of his time and effort, for which he received numerous trophies and awards, including the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002. In January 2006 he became a media highlight when he voted in his 25th federal election, at the age of 104. He recalled his first time voting when in 1925 he rode a horse and buggy from his farm to the polling station. Back then, Conservative Arthur Meighen took on Liberal Mackenzie King in Canada’s 15th election.
He died at Beausejour on 4 September 2006.
Obituary, Winnipeg Free Press, 7 September 2006.
“Manitoba voter celebrates 25th federal election,” The Globe and Mail, 24 January 2006.
“Anton Ottenbreit,” Bile/Byles Family Tree, MyHeritage.
This page was prepared by Lois Braun.
Page revised: 24 February 2024
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