Arthur W. Oetken

Arthur W Oetken, 89, passed away Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at Pender Community Hospital in Pender, NE. Memorial services will be Saturday, August 27, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Emerson, NE; Pastor Gretchen Ritola is officiating. The visitation will be Friday, August 26, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at St. Luke Lutheran Church. Burial will be at Rose Hill Cemetery in Emerson. Memorials may be directed to the family for future designation. Arrangements are under the direction of Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home in Emerson, NE. Arthur was born on the family farm near Emerson on May 22, 1927, the son of Henry and Mary (Bottger) Oetken. He lived all his life in the Emerson area. He married Mildred Pallas on March 29, 1947, the couple had seven children. In 1991, Art and Mildred retired and moved into Emerson. Arthur loved fishing and trains, but most of all he loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Mildred; sons, Dale (Darlene) Oetken of Fostoria, IA, Roger (Sharon) Oetken of Emerson, NE, Robert (Karen) Oetken of Lincoln, NE, Larry (Barbara) of Norfolk, NE, Richard (Michelle) Oetken of Lincoln, NE; daughters, Connie (Glen) Vraspir of Emerson, NE, Beverly (Leonard) Gradert of Emerson, NE; sister, Helen Frey of Pender, NE, 15 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and 5 great-great grandchildren. Arthur was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Wayne and Herman; and two sisters, Leona Pullen and Alvena Evans.