On the morning of 6 May, Otto “Ot” F. Lemm III was reunited with his family in heaven. His life on earth was busy from his childhood till death, beginning with his birth in Butte in 1937. Graduating from Butte High School, he married his soul mate and only love Cecilia Hesselschwardt in December of 1956. For their honeymoon, they reported to Port Townsend where he began his 4-year stint in the U.S. Navy, serving on the U.S.S. Redhead, and wooden hull minesweeper. Upon returning to Butte, he joined the Navy reserves and began as a shovel operator and mechanic at for the Anaconda Company. In 1966, he changed careers and started with the Montana Power Company in the West Gas Line Transmission Department, where he retired.
Inseparable, he and “C” were active together in all levels of the scouting program, the Jaycee and Jayceen organization, was a founding member of the citizens band radio club in Anaconda, which was a pre-cursor to the current Anaconda Pintler Search and Rescue, where he held various offices, including state and national commander. Together Ot and “C” were 2 of the original founders and supporters of Anaconda’s Pintler Pets, Montana’s first no-kill humane society. As if he wasn’t busy enough, he found a love and passion for Post 21, the local American Legion, where he served in various offices including Commander, finding a true love for the honor guard on which he served for many years. In his later years, he served as promotor, advisor and in his own term “the inspiration to good music” to ZebraSolutions. There truly was nothing he wouldn’t try, take part in, and if he believed in the cause, give his entire focus to. Until his health became an issue, you could find him attending Sunday mass regularly at St. Peters church.
People that really knew him never experienced a different personality regardless of the setting. He was stable, thoughtful, reflective and full of passion. He was a talented advisor, mentor, and confidant. He was quick witted, had a sharp yet dry sense of humor, and was a friend to all. Even during difficult times, he was known for his ability to pull people together and instrumental in finding the higher road. He will be missed by many, but none more than his family, and those who took the time to really get to know him.
Ot is survived in death by his sister, Dee; sons, Tom and Jerry; grandchildren, Shelbi (Michael), Cody (Katie) and Tasha (Travis); three great grandchildren, Odessa, Carson and Bella; numerous “adopted” grandchildren, and his adopted daughter, Rosie.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father, wife “C”, brother-in-law Rick, granddaughter J’da and various aunts, uncles and family members.
Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church, Anaconda, Mt., beginning at 10:30, 29 May 2025.
Donations can be made to Pintler Pets, Anaconda American Legion Post 21, or the Anaconda Catholic Church.
Axelson Funeral & Cremation Services is privileged to care for Ot and his family.
Please visit below to leave a condolence or share a memory of Ot.
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john omara says
i worked with OTTO at EDDY BAKERY in the 60s he was a fun guy and good worker
sorry for your loss
Rchapman says
Otto was the ore gold is made from.
Kathy White says
I never got the privilege to actually know Otto, but I know that he shaped the life of his grandson, Cody Lemm. And Cody is a wonderful, kind, compassionate man so I know that his grandpa had to be the same.