Otto Bram

Otto Christian Bram, 87, died Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2008 surrounded by his family.

He was born on Feb. 24, 1920 in Danevang to Marius and Christine Christiansen Bram. Otto was a loving husband, father and grandfather and was known as "Popo" to his four grandchildren. He enjoyed spending time with his family, they were the center of his world.

Otto was an avid outdoorsman and instilled his love for the outdoors in his sons and grandchildren. Jason, Amy, LeAnne and Cori spent many joyful days in Danevang with their Popo.

Otto was a retired farmer and lived in Danevang for the majority of his life. He proudly served in World War II from 1942 through 1945 as a Sergeant in the 88th Infantry Division known as the Blue Devils. Otto served in the European African Middle Eastern Theatre of Operations and received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star as well as several other honors for his service. He was a proud veteran and was a charter member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled Veterans and American Legion Post 251.

After his discharge in 1945, Otto returned to Danevang where he met and married Henrietta Peters on Feb. 18, 1947. They farmed in and around the Danevang area until his retirement.

Otto was extremely involved in the Danevang community. He was a life long member of the Danevang Lutheran Church that his family helped organize in 1900. He also served on the church counsel, the cemetery board and in many other capacities in the church throughout his lifetime.

He was instrumental in starting the Danevang Volunteer Fire Department where he served as the fire chief for 45 years and was a member until his health deteriorated. Otto dedicated countless hours to the Department and to getting the new fire house built. He was also a member of the Danevang Farmers Co-op for 62 years and served on the co-op board.

Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Henrietta Peters Bram; his sons, Vernon and wife Connie of Bay City and Leroy and wife Billie Jean of El Campo; four grandchildren, Jason Bram and wife Jessica of Austin, Amy Carr and husband Darren of Wimberley, LeAnne Lundy and husband Derik of Houston, and Cori Bram of Lake Charles, Louisiana, and his two great-grandchildren, Jake and Brady Bram of Austin.

He is also survived by his sister, Clara Bram Sifford of El Campo; and two brothers, Emil "Jack" Bram and wife Velma of Danevang and Elve Bram and wife Irene of El Campo.

Otto was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Johanna Bram Saman; and his brothers, Walter, Carl, Raymond, Clarence, Oscar and Harry.

Services will be at the Danevang Lutheran Church in Danevang on Friday, Feb. 15 at 10 a.m. with the interment immediately following.

Pallbearers will be his three grandsons, Jason Bram, Derik Lundy and Darren Carr, as well as his nephews, Clifton Bram, Kimmie Bram and Michael Bram.

Memorials may be sent to the Danevang Lutheran Church Cemetery Fund or Hospice of Houston.