Otto Kilcher’s wiki/bio, accident & injuries, wife, kids, and net worth.

Some people might think that living off the grid in Alaska is a harsh and lonely existence. But for Otto Kilcher, it’s a way of life that he cherishes and protects. Otto is a self-taught mechanic, a skilled farmer, and a devoted family man. He is also one of the stars of the popular reality show Alaska: The Last Frontier, which follows the adventures and challenges of the Kilcher clan as they survive on their homestead near Homer. But Otto’s life hasn’t always been easy. He has faced many dangers and difficulties, both natural and man-made, that have tested his resilience and courage. In this article, we will explore Otto’s remarkable story, from his childhood in a tiny cabin to his near-fatal accident with an ox. We will also learn about his passions, his values, and his hopes for the future. Otto Kilcher is more than just a TV personality. He is a legend of the last frontier.

Early Life

Otto Kilcher was born on April 19, 1952, in Homer, Alaska, U.S., to a family of Swiss immigrants who settled in Alaska in the 1940s. His father, Yule, was a homesteader, a filmmaker, and a politician who escaped the turmoil of World War II. His mother, Ruth, was a poet, writer, and community leader. Otto had seven siblings: Atz, Mossy, Stellavera, Sunrise, Wurtilla, Fay, and Catkin. They all grew up on a 640-acre homestead in the Alaskan wilderness, where they learned how to farm, fish, hunt, and herd cattle. They lived in a tiny cabin with no electricity or heating, and sang songs around the fire during downtime.

Otto Kilcher siblings
Otto Kilcher in his childhood with his parents and seven siblings

Otto was a curious and adventurous boy who loved machines and tools. He collected and fixed them, and used his creativity and skill to make anything he needed or wanted. He learned to grow plants, harvest, fish, hunt, and raise cattle. Otto’s childhood was full of hard work, self-reliance, and respect for nature. He faced many dangers and challenges but also had many joys and adventures. His childhood shaped him into the man he is today.

Career & Progression

As a mechanic and machinist, Otto started his career at his Homestead, where he handled various farm equipment and machinery. He then expanded his interests to business and became the owner and president of Coastal Freight & Salvage, Inc, a company that specialized in inland water freight transportation since 1993. He also led Apex Gear & Hydraulic, INC as its president. Besides his business ventures, he was active in the Cattle association and rose from director to chairman of Fox River Cattleman’s Assoc., Inc.

Television: Alaska The Last Frontier

Otto Kilcher is not only a skilled mechanic and a resourceful homesteader but also a reality TV star. He stars in the Discovery Channel show Alaska: The Last Frontier, which follows the Kilcher family as they live off the land in a remote and harsh area of Alaska. Otto joined the show in 2011, along with his older brother Atz and their extended family. He has appeared in over 105 episodes as of 2023.

On the show, Otto demonstrates his talents and knowledge as he fixes and builds anything that the family needs, from machines to houses. He also expresses his love for animals and nature as he cares for his farm and protects his livestock from predators. Otto has experienced many challenges and dangers, such as being critically mauled by an ox in a severe snowstorm, but also many joys and adventures, such as riding a horse and admiring the beauty of his land. He has taken part in many projects and tasks, such as building a bridge, moving a cabin, digging a well, and making cheese. He has also assisted his neighbors and friends with their problems and needs.

Besides Alaska: The Last Frontier, Otto has appeared in a TV movie documentary called Rousseaus Children in 2012. He has also been credited for Alaska: The Last Frontier: The Frozen Edge, Alaska: The Last Frontier Exposed and Alaska: The Last Frontier: Kilchers Revealed.

Accident & Injuries

Otto and his family face many challenges and dangers, such as harsh weather, wild animals, and limited resources. They work hard year-round to grow their farm, raise livestock, collect food, repair their cabin home and store enough reserve for winters. However, things do not always go as planned, and the family has experienced many accidents and injuries over the years. For example, in 2015, Otto’s nephew Atz Lee had a near-fatal fall from a cliff. In 2022, Otto himself was critically mauled by an ox during a severe snowstorm. He suffered punctured lungs, broken ribs, a fractured shoulder, and other injuries. Due to the bad weather, a helicopter could not reach him, and he had to be transported by an emergency ambulance to Homer Hospital. The Alaska: The Last Frontier official Facebook account shared a video of Otto in the hospital bed, saying “not doing well”. Fortunately, Otto recovered from his injuries and returned to the homestead. 

Otto’s Passions, Values, and Hopes

Otto’s passions include fixing old cars, collecting junk, and raising cattle. He has a knack for finding creative solutions to problems, using whatever materials he can find. He also enjoys spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, whom he teaches the skills and values of the homestead life.

Otto’s values are rooted in his respect for the land, the animals, and his ancestors. He believes in living sustainably, conserving resources, and minimizing waste. He also values hard work, independence, and resilience. 

Otto’s hopes for the future are to continue living on the homestead, passing on his legacy to the next generation, and enjoying the simple pleasures of life. He hopes that his family will stay together and that they will overcome any challenges that may come their way.

Net Worth:

Otto Kilcher and his wife Charlotte have a combined net worth of $1 M, earned from reality television and various business ventures.

Personal Life

Wife and Kids:

Otto Kilcher has been married three times and has four children. His current wife is Charlotte Kilcher, a former wildlife biologist who moved to Alaska from Northern California. Otto and Charlotte first crossed paths in 1989 while they were volunteering in South Central Alaska. The two fell in love and decided to tie the knot in the 90s. They took their wedding vows in a small ceremony in Alaska which was attended by close relatives and friends.

Otto Kilcher and Charlotte Kilcher
Otto and Charlotte Kilcher with their son August

Charlotte moved to the homestead with him following the marriage where the two lead a self-sufficient. Tending to their lifestyle Charlotte focuses on tasks like gardening, raising chickens & ducks, beekeeping, and milking the cow while Otto takes care of fixing things and raising cattle and growing the farm.

Ex-wives & Children:

Otto and Charlotte have four children altogether. In over 25 years of marriage, they have given birth to August Kilcher who was born in 1997. Charlotte has a son Torrey Short from her ex-husband while Otto has two from his ex-wives. His first wife was Olga Von Ziegesar, but they divorced without having any children. His second wife was Sharon Mckemie, and they had two sons, Levi Kilcher and Eivin Kilcher.

Physical Traits:

Otto Kilcher has a height of about 5 feet 10 inches and weighs around 60 kg. He has light brown eyes and brown hair.  He has a beard and often wears hats and jackets to protect himself from the cold weather. 

Wiki/Bio Facts:

Full NameEdwin Otto Kilcher
Other NameOtto Kilcher
BirthdateApril 19, 1952
Age 71 years olf
BirthplaceHomer, Alaska, United States
NationalityAmerican
EthnicitySwiss
ParentsYule Kilcher, Ruth Weber
GenderMale
SexualityStraight
Gay(Yes/No)No
SiblingsAtz Kilcher,  Mossy Kilcher, Stellavera Kilcher, Sunrise Sjoeberg, Wurtilla Hepp, Fay Graham
HighschoolN/A
EducationN/A
ProfessionReality Television Personality, Homesteader, Mechanic, Business Owner
Net Worth$1 M
Marital StatusMarried
WifeCharlotte Kilcher(present)
First WifeOlga Von Ziegesar
Second WifeSharon Mckemie
Children Eivin Kilcher, Levi Kilcher, August Kilcher, and Torrey Short(stepson)
Height5 feet 10 inches (about)
Social Media Handle InstagramFacebook

3 Comments

Add a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.