Elhart R. Oetjen

Elhart R. Oetjen, 87, of Cobden and formerly of Jacob, passed away at 1:50 p.m. on Thursday, January 19, 2017, in Cobden. Elhart was born in Fountain Bluff Township, Jackson County, IL. on October 3, 1929, a son to the late Theodore L. and Emma (Knoll) Oetjen. He was a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Jacob, IL, a U.S. Army veteran serving during the Korean Conflict, and was a retired machinist having worked for Caterpillar in Peoria, IL, for 33 years. He was also a barber in his spare time and enjoyed giving his young sons their dreaded monthly crew cuts. After retirement in 1982, he spent 35 years traveling the country in his RV or VW van with his fourth wife, Ellen, or tending to his hobbies of antiques and his collection of vintage cars and trucks. Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 3, 2017, at Christ Lutheran Church in Jacob. Rev. Mike Kettner will officiate. Visitation will be from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Friday at the church. Burial with military rites by Paul Stout Post 127 American Legion will follow at Christ Lutheran Cemetery in Gorham. A luncheon will be held in the Christ Lutheran School gymnasium following services at the cemetery. Memorials are the preferred form of remembrance and may be made to Christ Lutheran Church or Christ Lutheran School in Jacob. Survivors include one daughter and son-in-law, Peggy and John Shoemaker of Orangeville, MI; three sons and one daughter-in-law, Michael and Jenny Oetjen of Parkville, MO., Steven Oetjen of Peoria, IL, and Robert Oetjen of Denver, CO, all from his first wife Peggy Mccaleb, and Billy Oetjen from his third wife Pam Jibbon; also surviving are Kim Jibbon of Scottsdale AZ, Kirk Jibbon of NM, Leasa Huffman of Peoria, IL, and fourth wife, Ellen Oetjen of Peoria, IL. He loved spending time with all his numerous grandkids on the farm in his beloved hometown. He was preceded in death by one brother Paul Oetjen, his first wife Wanda, his second wife Peggy Mccaleb and his third wife Pam. Special thanks to the nurses and staff at Cobden rehab and nursing for all their love and support. You’re home now Dad. You've lived a wonderful life. A man of God, a dedicated family man, and a proud military veteran. We love you and miss you.

Elhart R. Oetjen

October 3, 1929 - January 19, 2017