Otto Luknic

Otto Luknic, age 83, of Faribault, MN, passed away April 9, 2025, following an extended illness.

Otto was born on December 1, 1941, in Trnava, Slovakia to Wendell and Anna (Dohnal) Luknic. At a young age his family moved to Minnesota where Otto graduated from Bethlehem Academy High School with the class of 1960. He graduated from Mankato State University and had a lengthy teaching career. Otto started his career teaching English at Waterville High School, then for over 30 years at Faribault High School until his retirement. He was united in marriage to Marsha “Marnie” Johnson on June 6, 1969, in Waterville. Otto was very active in politics, helping his wife Marnie and her career as a Minnesota State Representative, and he also was a chairman of the Republican Party in Minnesota. Otto loved to travel and was very proud of his Slovak heritage. He loved antiquing and was the owner of Grumpy’s Antiques for many years. Otto was a dedicated member of the Faribault Lions Club and was instrumental in the project to supply dictionaries to the Faribault elementary schools each year. He also dedicated himself to the community by serving on the Faribault School Board and the District One Hospital Board.

He is survived by his children, Stephanie Luknic Krystad (Eric Krystad), and Matthew Luknic; grandchildren, Lars Krystad, Anders Krystad, and Veronica Luknic; siblings, John Luknic, and Mary Hubbard; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Marnie; parents, Wendell and Anna; and brother, Arnold Luknic.

A celebration of Otto’s life will be held on Saturday May 3, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at the Chapel of the Good Shepherd on the Shattuck-St. Mary’s Campus, 1000 Shumway Way, Faribault. Food and fellowship will follow the service at The Depot Bar & Grill, 311 Heritage Place, Faribault.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated to the Allina Hospice in Owatonna.