Robert “Bob” Russell Oetken, 99, of Danville, died Sunday, August 21, 2022 at Savannah Heights, Mt. Pleasant.
He was born March 1, 1923 in Burlington on the family farm on Irish Ridge Road, the son of August H. and Dora Bartusch Oetken. He attended Hunter Country School. On September 23, 1952 he married Evelyn Maxine Stodgell in Burlington. She died September 5, 2014.
Bob worked at JI Case in Burlington during World War II and retired from Heatilator in Mt. Pleasant after 24 years. He was also a lifelong farmer who loved being with his family, gardening and “growing things”. He was a member of the Danville First Baptist Church.
He is survived by his sons, Gary (Pam) Oetken of Danville and Chuck (Sandee) Oetken of New London; his daughters, Mary (Scott) Sylvester of Ankeny and Sharon (Randy) Schinstock of Mt. Pleasant; grandchildren Riley Smith, Sarha (Dave) Smith, Julie Warner, Adam (Cheryl) Pulse, Samantha (Jeremy) Carter, Colton Schinstock, Grant Sylvester, Ashley Schinstock; nine great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Joanne Oetken of Burlington; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Maxine; brothers Herbert, Raymond and Alfred; and sisters Frances and Helen.
Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM on Wednesday, August 24 at Elliott Chapel, New London with the family receiving friends one hour prior to a private family service at 11:00 AM. Rev. Jack Edmission will officiate. Burial will be held in Jaggar Cemetery, rural Danville. Memorials have been established to Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice and Tunnels to Towers. Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com