Obituaries Friday March 17th

Donald R. Oetken, 78, of Burlington, died at 4:38 PM Wednesday, March 15, 2017, at the Great River Medical Center in West Burlington.

 

Born October 6, 1938, in Burlington, he was the son of John Benard and Jeannetta Blanche Mullin Oetken. On October 4, 1958, he married Barbara Weiler in Burlington.

 

He was a graduate of Burlington High School.

 

Donald worked in the beverage industry including 26 years with Coca-Cola, and 15 years with Mid-Continent Bottlers.

 

He enjoyed his spending time with his dogs at the cabin he built in Illinois; he also enjoyed  being outside, doing things such as hunting mushrooms, pheasants and ducks. Later in life, he enjoyed riding his four-wheeler up at the cabin; but most of all, Donald enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.

 

Survivors include his wife, Barbara; two sons, Robert (Melanie) Oetken of Jupiter, FL and Matt (Shannon) Oetken of Middletown; two daughters, Lori Parker of Burlington and Jennifer (Robert) Haley of Middletown; 14 grandchildren, Sarah Parker, Rachel Parker, Madison Oetken, Boyd Oetken, Donald Bracey, Douglas Bracey, Graham Oetken, Alexis Oetken, Alexia Banks, Samuel Banks, Elizabeth Oetken, Robert Haley, Jake Haley, and Jessica Haley; two great-grandchildren, Lily Greene and Kira Bleything; and one sister, Leona (Roy) Burke of Burlington.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Lisa Bracey; and one brother, Randy.

 

Visitation will be from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM, Saturday, March 18, 2017 where the family will receive friends at Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home.

 

The funeral service for Mr. Oetken will be 3:00 PM Sunday, March 19, 2017, at Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home with Reverend Dean Graber officiating. A time of food and fellowship will be held in the community room at Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home following the service.

 

Cremation will be entrusted to the care of Prugh~Thielen Crematory following the service.  Burial will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery at a later date.

 

A memorial has been established.

 

Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home is in care of the arrangements.

 

A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Donald’s obituary at www.prughthielencares.com.