OTTO, Dagmar Otto

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Dagmar (Alexy) Otto on June 11, 2026 at Waterloo Regional Health Network at Queen’s Blvd., Kitchener.

Dagmar was born on January 17, 1963 and remained a lifelong resident of New Hamburg.

Dagmar met the love of her life, Tom Otto, at the age of 14. They were married on August 21, 1982 at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, New Hamburg and shared more than 43 years of love, friendship and adventure together.

Dagmar earned her Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of Waterloo School of Optometry in 1988. She first practiced in Paris and Brantford with Dr. Harold Nisker, and later at Cressman Foster, which became Insight Eyecare in Waterloo. She retired in December of 2020 after a distinguished career dedicated to caring for her patients.

Dagmar and Tom have two children, Tara (Stephen) Parker of Tavistock and Joshua Otto of Cupertino, California. They are also blessed with twin grandsons Jamie and Andrew Parker. Her children were a great joy and she took great pride in all they accomplished.

A meticulous homemaker and creative person, Dagmar enjoyed reading, needlepoint, sewing, quilting, drawing, baking, gardening, puzzles and games, and hosting family and friends. Together, Dagmar and Tom enjoyed biking, camping, sailing and travelling. Though quiet and private by nature, she had a wonderfully authentic laugh. She also loved spending time with her family at their cottage where she enjoyed hiking, swimming, water skiing and boating.

Dagmar cherished her relationship with her three sisters and the many memories they shared throughout their lives.

As a respected optometrist, Dagmar touched countless lives through her kindness and compassion. Whether she was caring for her patients, creating a handmade gift or baking for her family, she approached everything with meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to excellence. She put her whole heart into everything she did.

Although we will always wish for more time with her, we are grateful for the warmth, creativity, wisdom and love she shared. Dagmar will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

She was the beloved daughter of Eva (Schlottke) Huppke and partner Gunther Barz and of her father Otto Alexy who predeceased her on March 17, 1980. She was also predeceased by her sister Carmen Buchenauer and by her parents-in-law Helen and LaVerne Otto. Dagmar is lovingly remembered by her sisters Ingrid (Mike) Ferrede and Esther Alexy; her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Rob Buchenauer, Linda and Felix Baerlocher, David Otto, Sheri and Bill Gladding; and by her aunts, uncles, and cousins as well as nieces and nephews including Rachel (Alex) Persaud, Cameron Ferrede; Cody (Andrea) Buchenauer, Ben (Renee) Buchenauer; Adrian (Miranda) Baerlocher; Mark (Corinne) Baerlocher; Theresa (Dave) Bowman, Hollie Otto, Jeff Otto; Luke (Deanne) Gladding; and Lesli (Adam) Spylo.

Dagmar leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, generosity and quiet strength that will never be forgotten. She will be forever missed and forever loved.

A visitation for friends and family will be held at the Mark Jutzi Funeral Home, New Hamburg on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 from 5 – 8 p.m. and again on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. with a service of remembrance in the chapel of the funeral home at 12:00 p.m. Her final resting place will be at Riverside Cemetery, New Hamburg. All are welcome to the reception at Heart N Home Creations, New Hamburg.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in memory of Dagmar to VOSH Ontario Chapter or Waterloo Regional Health Network Cardiac Care Unit, through the funeral home.

Personal condolences can be posted for the family at www.markjutzifuneralhomes.ca

Visitation