Bert Oetken

Funeral services for Bert Oetken, 96, of Crawford, Nebraska will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2014 at 10:00 AM at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Crawford with Father Bernard Berger officiating. Burial will follow at the Crawford Catholic Cemetery. Bert passed away on Monday, June 2, 2014 at the Ponderosa Villa in Crawford. Bert was born on August 28, 1917 to Fred and Lottie Oetken at the family farm east of Squaw Mound. A few years later the family moved to a place a few miles north of Crawford. Bert attended school at a country school near the place. Bert worked on the family farm and for other area farmers until 1936 when he moved to California to work in a gold mine. In 1941, he moved to Hawaii and worked as a pipe fitter on an underground fuel storage project and was there during the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Bert was later drafted into the Navy and fueled ships during the war. In 1946, Bert came back to Crawford and bought land in the area. On March 17, 1948 Bert was united in marriage with Laura Lee DeSive at the Catholic Church in Crawford. They later moved to the place in the Belmont area south of Crawford where he ranched, farmed, and raised a family with Laura Lee. Bert believed in hard work and did what he could well into his 80's. Later on in life Bert enjoyed time with his family, especially the grandchildren. He also enjoyed playing cards and riding around on his 4-wheeler looking at the cattle and crops. Survivors include sons; Keith (Lori) Oetken, Greg Oetken, Kirk (Dawn) Oetken, ten grandchildren; sister, Gladys Soester, and many nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death was his wife Laura Lee Oetken, son Gary Oetken, parents Fred and Lottie Oetken, two brothers and six sisters. A memorial has been established for the Crawford Fourth of July Fireworks Show. Donations may be sent to Chamberlain Chapel, PO Box 970, Chadron, NE 69337. Online condolences can be made at www.chamberlainchapel.com Chamberlain Chapel of Crawford is in charge of arrangements.

Service:

Saturday, June 7, 2014 ~ 10:00 AM

St. John's the Baptist Crawford, Nebraska



Visitation:

Friday, June 6, 2014

Chamberlain Chapel Crawford, Nebraska