Pearl Lydia Oetken
Born: February 1st, 1920
Died: October 9th, 2017
Obituary
Pearl Lydia Oetken, age 97, of Burlington, Iowa, passed away 3:20 a.m. Monday, October 9, 2017 at Blair House. Born at home in Des Moines County on February 1, 1920, she was the daughter of Arthur Christian and Eva (Effie) Anna Taeger Wischmeier. She graduated from Sperry High School in 1937 and from Burlington Junior College in 1939 with an Associate of Arts degree. Pearl taught rural school in Des Moines County for three years prior to her marriage to Everett H. Oetken on June 20, 1942 in Burlington. He passed away on December 7, 1999.
Pearl enjoyed traveling, gospel and traditional country music. She enjoyed playing bingo at the Senior Center. Pearl looked forward to game night every Tuesday night with her daughters and grandchildren.
She was an active member of Oak Street Baptist for more than 60 years and is currently attending Crossroads Community Church. She previously served on the following commissions: Deaconess, Missions, Evangelism, and Finance. She subbed in the Junior Department as teacher and secretary. Pearl was a member of Chapel Bible Class and the Young at Heart. She was a former member of the Ruth Circle and also WMF where she served as treasurer. She worked at the Tama Townships elections for many years. She was a member of the corn and soybean associations. Pearl was a member of The Golden Oldies at Steamboat Senior Center.
Survivors include one son, James (Ruth) Oetken of Winchester, KY, and three daughters, Loretta Kirk Carlo of Dallas, TX, (living currently in Burlington with her mother), Rhonda (Jim) Pfadenhauer of Burlington, and Kathleen (Terry) Salisbury of Burlington; eight grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, and one great, great grandchild. Also one brother, Glen Wischmeier of Burlington and nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and two sisters, Ruth Eversman and Lois Powell.
Visitation will be Friday, Oct. 13th from noon to 8:00 p.m. at Lunning Chapel, with family to receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m.
The funeral service for Mrs. Oetken will be Saturday, Oct. 14th at 11:00 a.m. at Oak Street Baptist Church, Burlington with Pastor Dr. Jason Unzicker officiating. Burial will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery. Luncheon will be served following the burial in the reception hall at Oak Street Baptist Church.
Memorials have been established for Crossroads Community Building Fund, Oak Street Baptist Church, and Southeastern Community College.