Edmund Oetjens

Edmund H. Oetjens, 92 years, of Monroe, MI passed away Thursday, December 27, 2007 in the Lutheran Home of Monroe where he had been for the past 2 years. Edmund was born February 21, 1915 in Ida, MI the son of the late Siegfried and Carolina (Reimers) Oetjens. Edmund was a 1934 graduate of Monroe High School where he served as senior class president. Edmund served his country during WWII as a 1st Lieutenant in the US Army. Edmund served from March 11, 1944 to October 17, 1946, serving in New Guinea, Southern Philippines and Luzon. For his meritorious service Edmund received the American Theatre Ribbon, AP Theater Ribbon with 3 Bronze Battle Stars, Philippines Liberation Ribbon, the Victory Medal, 4 Overseas Service Bars and the Occupation Medal – Japan. On January 29, 1944 Edmund married his dear wife Eltie Catherine Kemmerling. Sadly she preceded him in death on October 22, 1994. Edmund was employed as the Circulation Manager for the Monroe Evening News until his retirement in 1979. Edmund was an active member of Christ Lutheran Church where he served as a member and President of church council and as an usher. Edmund was the 1st president of the Monroe YMCA, a member of the Masonic Lodge #27 F&AM. Edmund enjoyed traveling. After his retirement Edmund spent time tending to the family centennial farm in Raisinville Township. Edmund is survived by his 2 sons and daughters in law’s Geoffrey and Marilyn Oetjens of Lincoln Park, MI and Jere and Andrea Oetjens of Ypsilanti, MI, his daughter in law Debra Ann Jackson of Traverse City, MI 7 cherished grandchildren; Chris, Scott, Jason, Michael, Craig, , Kyle and Katherine, 7 cherished great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, Edmund was preceded in death by his son Todd M. Oetjens and 2 sisters Marjorie Domick and Ruth Marshall. Visitation will be held from 5 – 8 PM on Friday in the Bacarella Funeral Home. On Saturday, December 29, 2007 he will lie instate at Christ Lutheran Church from 9:00 AM until funeral services celebrating his life at 10:00 AM. The Rev. Dennis Bux pastor of the church will officiate. Military interment services will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park under the auspices of VFW Post 1138. The family has requested memorial contributions be made to Christ Lutheran Church.