Otto Alvin Stangl, 90, passed away on September 12, 2017. He was born in La Junta, CO on November 6, 1926 to parents Ernest and Emma Stangl, who both worked for Harvey Houses in New Mexico and Colorado.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Marie; son, Kelly; as well as three brothers and a sister. He is survived by his daughter, Karin of Albuquerque; and many devoted nieces and nephews.

Otto proudly served in the US Army at the end of WW II with the 88th Infantry Division.

After the war, he attended and graduated from Adams State College in Alamosa, CO with a bachelor's degree in education. While there, he met and married the love of his life, Marie Cooper. Otto also received a master's degree from Colorado Ag College, and an Ed.D in education administration from Northern Colorado College.

As a young man Otto worked for Weyerhaeuser Timber Company as a forester and the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad as a timekeeper and chainman.

Then he began his career as an educator and administrator. He was an assistant professor at Northern Montana College in Havre, MT, served as chairman of the Department of Technologies at Western New Mexico University in Silver City, NM, and became Dean of Applied Education with Central Wyoming College in Riverton, WY.

He moved with his family to Albuquerque to take a position as Director of Research and Planning with the Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute (SIPI), spearheading accreditation efforts for the school. He retired from government service as the Training Officer for the Bureau of Indian Affairs Area Office in Albuquerque.

Numerous awards received throughout his life, include: a meritorious service award from the Department of the Interior in 1990; a 50-year service award as a master mason with the Euclid Lodge #64, in La Junta, CO; and the Alumni of the Year for Adams State College in 1998.

After retirement, Otto became active in volunteer work at for the Albuquerque Convention and Visitor's Bureau manning the information booth at the Albuquerque Sunport on Mondays for 24 years.

Also he volunteered at the Explora Museum for more than 10 years and tended to the Water Wise Garden in Rio Rancho, NM. He became a master gardener with Sandoval County in 2006.

Otto will be remembered for his great sense of humor, contagious smile, and his outstanding homemade pies and rolls.

A celebration of his life was held on Friday, September 29, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at FRENCH Funerals & Cremation, Wyoming Blvd., Albuquerque, N.M. In lieu of flowers, please donate in his name. Please visit our online guestbook for Otto at www.FrenchFunerals.com