Tributes

The Reverend J Louis Oetting was born in 1932, the third of four children born to the Reverend and Mrs. Walter Oetting. In September, 1950 he entered Valparaiso University, intending to study chemistry, but received his divine calling the end of his Freshmen year. In 1953 he began his Theological training at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, receiving his BA degree in 1955 and his his Divinity degree in 1958. Pastor Oetting's vicarage was at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Rock Island, Illinois. Upon graduating from Concordia Seminary he was ordained to the office of the holy ministry at Immanuel, Rock Island on August 31, 1958, and installed as Associate Pastor of that congregation. While there he met his future wife, Sharon, and they were married in November of 1961. He organized Redeemer Lutheran Church, Jackson, Michigan, and served as its first pastor 1961-1969. Louis and Sharon's four children; Marie, Angela, Julie, and Jim, were all born during their time in Michigan. Numerous lifelong friends were also made during their time there. He was called to the pastorate of Hope Lutheran Church, Granite City, Illinois, in November of 1969, where he served until his call to Lombard. Louis was installed as Pastor of St. John's Lutheran Church, Lombard, Illinois, on November 11, 1973, and served there until his retirement in 1992. While in Lombard he also served as a counselor in the Michigan district and as chairman of the Michigan Board in the Southern Illinois District. Pastor Oetting also served as a member and officer of the ministerial associations in the communities he served as well as several service organizations. Upon retirement Louis and Sharon moved to Pipe Creek, Texas and enjoyed ranch living and the many grandchildren they were blessed with. Louis was a devoted husband who faithfully cared for Sharon during her final years of illness until her passing in October of 2000. Louis was also preceded in death by beloved brother Walter. Louis is survived by his daughters, Marie McGann and husband John; Angela Crenshaw and husband Bill; Julie Oetting; son James Jim Oetting and wife Staci; sisters Gloria and the late Ros Jensen; Mary Birch and husband Gordon, and his nine grandchildren, Andrea, Jack, Natalie and Abiti McGann; Nathan and Avery Crenshaw; Michael and Jenna Dobson; and Quentin Oetting. Louis is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Tributes

J Louis Oetting

March 17, 1932 - December 31, 2012