Wisconsin Section NewsLothar AltmannLothar Altmann was born on March 2, 1940 in Sagan, state of Schlesien, where his family owned and operated a dairy. At age four, his family was forced out of their home and business because the Russian's moved in. This area was now a part of Poland. They moved to Wiperdorf in East Germany, where his father again operated a dairy. 
Lee & Karl Wuesthoff, Margrit & Lothar Altmann, Bill Wuesthoff, Lothar participated in two apprenticeships. One was Auto Body and Design, and the other was Auto Mechanics. Two days were spent in school and four days in the shop. Lack of replacement parts in East Germany often made it necessary to build them from scrap metal in order to repair the vehicles. After he passed both exams it was his time to look for a better future. A few months later, he left his home for Berlin, traveling without any possessions and hoping to cross into West Berlin. This became a reality. His brother sponsored his imigration to Milwaukee, and obtained the necessary work form from Jack White Ford when Lothar was 18. Jack White, however, did not hire him because business was slow. He did find work at Burnham Motors, which later became Daum Motors. His parents were able to flee East Germany shortly after Lothar did, and they lived in Bad Mergenthein. Because of his mother's serious illness, Lothar returned to germany in 1966. At this time he contacted schools where he could study via correspondence. Four months after he arrived in Germany, his mother passed on. He met Margrit during his stay. In January, 1967, Lothar returned to Milwaukee, again working for Daum Motors. Margrit arrived in Milwaukee a few months later. They were married and lived in Wauwatosa. While at Daum Motors, he met Rainer Claus, who came from Germany for two years to get Mercedes work experience. Daimler Benz had recommended Daum Motors because Lothar worked there and could speak German to Rainer. Rainer's father owner Autohaus Claus, a Mercedes dealership in Esslingen, near Stuttgart. After corresponding with his school in Germany, Lothar had to go back in order to prepare for his final examination. Lothar and Margrit returned to Germany. The school started at 7:30 am until 9 pm weekdays, with mechanic shop Saturday and Sunday. He found bookkeeping most difficult. Upon graduation, Lothar earned his "Meister Brief, a requirement for operating or owning a business in Germany. He worked at Autohaus Claus in Esslingen for a year. Lothar and Margrit returned to Milwaukee in 1972. He found work at Federal manufacturing Co. owned by David and Marjorie Fee who drove Mercedes Benz cars that Lothar had serviced. A lasting friendship developed with them. Concours Motors hired Lothar on August 20, 1973 as Shop Forman. He was promoted to Service Advisor and Service Manager. Lothar retired from Concours on May 30, 2003. He will be honored at the Fall Tech Session at Concours on September 18. — As told to Gordy and Ruth Wolfgram Past NewsSongbird Hills Golf Outing–June 28, 2003Spring Rallye–May 4, 2003 |
Last updated 10/7/04
