Richard A. Otjen

BATTLE CREEK – Funeral service for Richard A. Otjen, 90, of Battle Creek, will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, December 5, 2024 at the St. John's Lutheran Church in Battle Creek. Pastor Lee Weander will be officiating the service. Interment will be at the St. John's Lutheran Cemetery, rural Battle Creek. Visitation will be 4:00-7:00 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 4, at the Stonacek Funeral Chapel in Norfolk. The service will be live-streamed on the Stonacek Funeral Chapel Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/stonacekfuneralchapel/. Richard passed away with his family at his side on Sunday, December 1, 2024 at the Community Pride Care Center in Battle Creek. Stonacek Funeral Chapel in Norfolk is in charge of the arrangements. Richard was born on March 31, 1934 in Meadow Grove, NE to Albert and Anna (Zohner) Otjen. He was baptized April 22, 1934, and confirmed March 30, 1947 into the Lutheran faith at St. Peters Heights Lutheran Church, Battle Creek. Richard graduated from Battle Creek High School in 1952. He married Joan Ruth (Preusker) on November 15, 1953 at the St. John’s Lutheran Church, Battle Creek. After marriage, Richard worked at Dobsons Construction for six years then went into farming. He then worked at the Battle Creek Coop for 20 years until he retired. After he retired, Richard worked at the Ever-Green golf course while it was being built and he also drove school bus for Battle Creek Public School. He enjoyed gardening, lawn work, and golfing. He was a member of the St. John’s Lutheran Church in Battle Creek and served on several boards at St. John’s Lutheran Church. Survivors include his wife of 71 years, Joan R. Otjen, their five children, Steven (Tami) Otjen, Jodi (Barry) Stueve, Jami (Gary) Frederick, all of Battle Creek, Tina (Robb) Schnitzler of Central City and Linda (Patrick) Pelc of Norfolk, 14 grandchildren and their spouses, 24 great-grandchildren, and sister Sharen Wragge of Pierce. He was preceded in death by his parents Albert and Anna, and brother-in-law Aaron Wragge. Casket bearers will be Richard’s grandsons Derek Pelc, Joshua Schnitzler, Jordan Otjen, Aaron Schnitzler, Levi Stueve, Tyler Frederick, Luke Stueve, and Payton Frederick. Honorary casket bearers will be his granddaughter’s Natasha Onnen, Tonya Hoff, Nicole Ferguson, Kayla Petersen, Shelby Schnitzler, and Lexi Stueve. Condolences may be expressed to the family on-line at www.stonacekfuneralchapel.com.

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Richard A. Otjen

March 31, 1934 - December 1, 2024