Laura Ottemann

Laura Lydia Emma (Volker) Ottemann was born November 7, 1922 on a farm in Nemaha County, Nebraska. One of nine children of Julius and Frieda (Geyer) Volker, she was baptized December 3, 1922 at St. James Lutheran Church near Humboldt, Nebraska by her grandfather E. F. Geyer and confirmed at the church May 16, 1937 by Rev. H. Brokering. Laura received her formal education at Rural School District #46 through the eighth grade.

On November 9, 1943 Laura was united in marriage to Arnold F. Ottemann at St. James Lutheran Church by Rev. Harm Bents. Laura and Arnold made their home on a farm south of Johnson, Nebraska and were blessed with seven children: Pauline, Harlan, Leroy, Darlene, Dale, Martha, and Pamela.

In addition to raising her children and running the household, Laura helped Arnold with the farming any way she could. She also worked at Bergmann’s Café in Johnson and as a cook for Johnson-Brock Public Schools for 13 years.

She transferred her church membership to Martin Luther Lutheran Church south of Johnson and was very active in the church, especially with the sewing group. Laura belonged to American Legion Auxiliary Post #330 in Johnson and the Red Hat Society.

Laura enjoyed handwork, especially quilting. She shared her quilts with each of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She also liked to play cards with friends. The best times for Laura, however, were spent with family.

In order to take advantage of the rehabilitation services offered, Laura moved to the Good Samaritan Society-Auburn in November of 2013. She appreciated the care she received from Good Sam and later hospice staff. She passed away there, surrounded by her family, on Tuesday, February 11, 2014 at the age of 91 years, 3 months, and 4 days. She was preceded in death by her parents; son Leroy; son-in-law Ed Sunneberg; great-grandsons Kaden and Nicholas; brothers Lawrence, Erwin, and Oscar Volker; and sisters Edna Goos and Helen Dirksen.

Laura is survived by her husband Arnold of Johnson; 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, NE; 20 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; brother Otto and wife Helen Volker of Johnson; sisters Hilda Dieckhoff of Beatrice and Evelyn and husband Dayle Johnson of Waverly; sister-in-law Luetta Volker of Johnson; many other relatives and friends.

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