Otterbeck, John 1861 - 1931

OTTERBECK, SCHILLING, SKIBBE, POSSEHL, FREDERICK

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 11/21/2022 at 10:12:43

Clayton County Register, Thur., 01 Oct. 1931.

STRAWBERRY POINT: Funeral services for John Otterbeck occurred at the Lutheran church Tuesday afternoon, conducted by the pastor, Rev. M. O. Jahr. His six sons acted as pall bearers. Interment took place in the local cemetery.

John Otterbeck was born at Goldbach, Germany, Oct. 20, 1861. Soon his parents died and he became an orphan at the age of four. He found a home with people who were strangers to him but who attended to his training and schooling in the public schools, as well as in religious instruction, which culminated in his confirmation.

May 04, 1883, he was married to Miss Barbara Susana Schilling, also of Goldbach. To this union were born six sons and three daughters. In the spring of 1892 he went to America, first alone, but four months later followed by his wife and four children, who were born in Germany. They first settled in Fayette County, near Scott. Here they lived for 15 years, after which they moved to a farm near Strawberry Point. Oct. 05, 1922, the faithful companion passed away, but he was well taken care of by his children, especially his son Fred, and wife, who made their home with him. Mr. Otterbeck always enjoyed good health and was of robust constitution, helping whenever he was able to do so, until Sunday morning, Sept. 13, when he complained about pains in his foot caused by a small wound. Although his son Fred insisted on consulting a physician, he hesitated to do so, as he thought it would not be so serious. He even went to church that Sunday as he was accustomed to do, and also went about his work the following days as usual. However, on Thursday morning he felt a swelling and was unable to open his mouth to eat. Then he was rushed to the People's hospital at Independence, where four physicians tried all possible means to save his life but without success. Late Saturday afternoon, about 4:45, he passed away.

He is survived by eight children: Christian of Strawberry Point; Charles of Volga; Mrs. Kate Skibbe of Strawberry Point; Mrs. Rose Possehl of Edgewood; Louie of St. Sebald; Fred on the home farm; Will and Herman of Strawberry Point. One daughter, Mrs. Mary Frederick, preceded him in death July, 1919. There are also an aged sister in Germany. Also 26 grandchildren and one great-grandchild and other relatives and a large circle of friends survive.