Henry Otten

1916 - 2006

Henry Otten passed away peacefully on Friday, November 3, 2006. He is now living eternally with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His family finds great joy in that assurance. A private graveside service will be held Tuesday, November 7, 9 a.m., at Hillcrest Memorial Cemetery, Bakersfield. Afterwards, all are invited to join Henry's family at a memorial service at 10:30 a.m. at Heritage Bible Church, 2323 Mt. Vernon in Bakersfield. A lunch will be served after the service. Henry Otten was born December 2, 1916 to a dairy farm family in Weesp, The Netherlands. At age 32, he immigrated to the U.S. in 1949, settling in southern California. In the same year he met the love of his life, Ann Van Leeuwen. They were married on December 7, 1949. Soon after, Henry realized his dream when he and Ann launched a dairy business in Paramount, California. After several moves and eight children, the Otten family settled into dairy life in Bakersfield, 1966. Henry was active in the dairy industry locally and statewide including many years serving on the California Milk Advisory Board. Few things made him happier than working with his cows and producing quality milk. Henry is survived by Ann, his wife of nearly 57 years. She will miss him dearly. He also leaves behind a sister, Adrie, and two brothers, Wim and Alex, all of Holland. In addition he is survived by his two sons and seven daughters: Daughter Connie Friesen and husband Ken; son Alex Otten & wife Beth; daughter Caroleen DeVries and husband Mark; son Henry Otten; daughter Alice Versluys and husband Ron; daughter Sharon Pierce and husband Ted; daughter Mary VanderVeen and husband Bruce; daughter Annette Lockhart and husband Dan; and foster daughter Blythe Fuller. Henry's quiver was also full with 29 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Though known as a dairyman, Henry's true passion was his service to his savior, Jesus Christ. He was a member of Heritage Bible Church at the time of his death. His dedication to church service was passed on faithfully to each of his children. Henry loved to sing and was a member of church choirs well into his 80's. He was also a vital member of Gideons International, distributing God's Word for over thirty years. His faithfulness and willingness to "walk his talk" will always be the standard by which his family and friends remember Henry Otten – husband, Dad, Opa, and friend. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Gideons International, P.O. Box 1629, Bakersfield, CA, 93302. Henry Otten Dec. 2, 1916 – Nov. 3, 2006