Arnold Ottemann

Arnold Fredrick Ottemann, son of Edwin and Mary (Gobber) Ottemann, was born September 5, 1922 on a farm south of Johnson, Nebraska. He was one of four children.

Arnold was baptized into the Lutheran faith at Martin Luther Church near his home on September 24, 1922, and confirmed at Martin Luther November 21, 1937 by Rev. W. R. Fruehling. He received his formal education at District 43 rural school.

On November 9, 1943 Arnold was united in marriage to Laura Volker at St. James Lutheran Church near Humboldt, Nebraska by Rev. Harm Bents. Seven children were born to this union.

Arnold was inducted into the U. S. Army on August 25, 1944. He served during World War II in the 274th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, and was honorably discharged on July 1, 1946. Arnold returned to rural Johnson at that time.

Arnold returned to farming after the war, with help from Laura in the operation of the farm. He had sheep on the farm, and enjoyed tending to his flock. Arnold had also worked for June Moore shelling corn and driving a truck, and drove a truck for Hopper Brothers Quarries as well. In addition he worked for Gerdes Farms for a time.

Arnold was a lifetime member of Martin Luther Church. The American Legion was important to him, and he was very involved with the activities of Post #330 in Johnson. Arnold and Laura loved to go to dances, and Polka music was a definite favorite. He enjoyed playing cards with his family and friends, and visits from the neighbors were always welcome. In all of his activities at work and play, family was first and foremost for Arnold.

After Laura’s passing in February of 2014, Arnold stayed on the farm where they had spent so much of their life together. On April 9, 2015 he was admitted to St. Elizabeth Regional Medical Center in Lincoln, Nebraska. He passed away there, surrounded by family, on April 11, 2015 at the age of 92 years, 7 months, and 6 days. In addition to his wife Laura and his parents, Arnold was preceded in death by his sisters Elsie Mandery Knippelmeier and Iona Koehler, brother Mervin Ottemann, son Leroy, son-in-law Ed Sunneberg, and great-grandsons Kaden and Nicholas.

Those who are left to carry on Arnold’s special ways include his children and their spouses Pauline and Gary Zoucha of Lincoln; Harlan and Deb Ottemann of Johnson Lake, NE; Dar and Lavon Beethe of Elk Creek; Dale and Pam Ottemann of Johnson; Martha and Gary Armknecht of Auburn; Pam and Steve Mitchell of Burchard; 20 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Lila Ottemann of Johnson; other relatives and many friends.

A memorial service will be Thursday, April 16, 10:30 a.m. at Martin Luther Lutheran Church south of Johnson. Burial of ashes will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be at the funeral home in Auburn Wednesday 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with family greeting friends 6:00 to 8:00.

Memorials are suggested to family choice.