Otto, Rieka 1909 - 2006

OTTO, AHRENDT, CRAMER

Posted By: Doris Hoffman, Volunteer (email)
Date: 12/10/2010 at 18:32:10

Rieka Otto

Date of Death
Tuesday, November 07, 2006

Rieka C. Otto, 97, of Le Mars, Iowa passed away suddenly Tuesday, November 7, 2006 at Floyd Valley Hospital in Le Mars.

Rieka C. Ahrendt was born April 9, 1909 on the family farm in Grant Township, rural Plymouth County to Fred and Grace (Cramer) Ahrendt. Rieka was baptized and confirmed at Christ Lutheran Church. She received her education at Christ Lutheran Parochial School and a country school in Grant Township. Rieka was united in marriage to Fred Otto on January 17, 1935 at Christ Lutheran Church. Rieka and Fred farmed west of Le Mars until 1968 when they retired and moved to Le Mars. She later worked at K-Products in Le Mars for several years in the 1970’s.

Her faith has always been a very important part of her life. As a youth she belonged to Luther League and later helped with Junior Luther League, taught Sunday School and sang in the choir for over 20 years. She had also been involved with circle for many years. In later years she has made countless quilts for family, friends, and missions. During the last year of her life, Rieka made over 70 quilts.

Rieka enjoyed baking bread and cookies. She cherished the times when family and friends would stop by her home for a cappuccino, cookies, and most importantly visiting.

Survivors include her 3 children: Vic and his wife Vickie Otto of Colfax, California, Lorna Tishendorf of Eugene, Oregon, and LeAnna Nagel of Rockton, Illinois; 10 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren; a brother, Bennie Ahrendt of Le Mars; and several nieces and nephews to include Marlys and Wilma Renken who had a very special relationship with Aunt Rieka.

Rieka was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Grace (Cramer) Ahrendt; her husband Fred in 1994; a son, Bernard in 1940; 3 brothers: Henry, Fred, and Carl Ahrendt; and 3 sisters: Amanda Renken, Emma Ahrendt, and Marie Renken.

Visitations will be after 4:00 p.m. Sunday, November 12, 2006 at the Carlsen Funeral Home in Le Mars with the family present to greet friends after 6:00 p.m. followed by a 7:00 p.m. Prayer Service. Visitations will continue Monday morning at the church from 9:00 a.m. until service time.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, November 13, 2006 at Christ Lutheran Church, Grant Township rural Le Mars, Iowa with Reverend Daniel Gerrietts officiating. Interment will be in Christ Lutheran Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Chad Dreckman, Todd Lang, Bruce Frerichs, Tim Renken, Terry Renken, and Bob Johnson.

Arlene Urban attended this viewing on November 08, 2006.
"I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. She was a wonderful,kind and warm person. I give you my deepest sympathy and may God continue to comfort you and your families. "

Source: Carlsen Funeral Home
Le Mars, Iowa