Roland J. Otten

1921 - 2017

Otten, Roland J.

Roland J. Otten, with assurance of eternal life through his faith in Jesus Christ, departed this life for glory on June, 12, 2017.

Roland was born on Sept. 2, 1921 to John C. and Katherine (Zeeman) Otten. On March 3, 1944, he married Jane Ribbens. They enjoyed 54 years of life together before she entered glory on January 22, 1999. On October 28, 2006, he married Joan Siebeling.

Roland's work experience began at an early age as he helped with the family grocery store. He graduated from Sheboygan Christian School in 1935 and Central High School in 1939. On March 3, 1943, he began a 43 year career with the Kohler Co. in the Purchasing Department, ending his career as Supervisor of Corporate Purchasing. He was a member of the Kohler Co. Quarter Century Club.

Roland was a life long member of Christ Community Church (formerly First Christian Reformed Church), and a member of Marco Presbyterian Church, Marco Island, Florida, and First Presbyterian Church, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, during the winter season.

Roland expressed his faith in Christ and his love for the Lord daily. He lived out that faith through his service to Christ Community Church, serving many terms as Deacon and Elder. He was also the Director of Youth Activities for many years, as well as teacher of Reformed Doctrine Classes for high school juniors and seniors. He participated in Young Men's and Senior Men's Societies and the Men's Prayer Breakfast group. He led worship worship services at the Sheboygan County jail for many years. He also served as officer on the School Board of Sheboygan Christian School.

Roland was a charter member of the Sports Core, Kohler, where he enjoyed daily swimming and exercise activities into his nineties!

Roland is survived by his loving wife, Joan, and siblings Herb Otten and Betty (Roger) VanWyk. He is further survived by his children Doris (Phil) Wanezek, Don (Judy) Otten, Dewey (Deb) Otten, and David (Lois) Otten and his grandchildren Tom (Emily) Wanezek, Andrea (Kevin) Yttre, Sarah (Dale Wallain) Wanezek, Tina (Dan) Solberg, Taylor (Eb) Otten, Rebecca Otten, John (fiancée Janelle Koenen) Otten, Rachel Otten, Kate (Vinnie) Adams, Luke Otten, Betsy Otten. He was "great big papa" to 17 great grandchildren.

Roland was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Jane (and her parents Herbert and Helen Ribbens), and his siblings and spouses Chris (Nell) Otten, Chrisina Otten, John Jr. Otten, Jack (Lydia) Otten, Donald Otten, and Reuben (Dean) Otten.

Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 noon on Thursday, June 15, 2017 at Christ Community Church, 428 Geele Ave. in Sheboygan. Roland will be laid to rest beside his first wife, Jane, at Wildwood Cemetery. The family will receive visitors at the church on Thursday from 10:00 am - 12:00 noon.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested Sheboygan County Christian School or Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice.

Ballhorn Chapels is assisting the family with arrangements. Please visit www.ballhornchapels.com to sign the guestbook.

Father of Jesus, Love divine

What rapture will it be,

Prostrate before Thy throne to lie

And gaze and gaze on Thee!