Dear brothers and sisters at Messiah,
Our brother in Christ Bernie Ottenjan was called home to be with our Lord on Wednesday, November 29th, 2023, at the age of 86.
Bernard Ottenjan was born January 10th, 1937; he was united to the death and resurrection of Jesus in Holy Baptism on June 13th, 1937 at St. James Lutheran Church of Grand Rapids. On March 3rd, 1956, Bernie married Eileen Rose DeVoogd at St. James; they were confirmed in the Lutheran faith on April 30th, 1961.
Bernie and his wife Eileen became charter members of Messiah on December 15th, 1964. In addition to attending worship, they remained active in the life of the congregation until health issues prevented them from doing so. In recent years, Bernie frequently expressed his gratitude for the pastors and members of Messiah who visited the Ottenjans at Bishop Hills Elder Care in Rockford.
We mourn with Eileen, Bernie's sons Glen, Gary and Greg, and his granddaughter Nicole, along with the rest of his family and friends. But we also rejoice that Bernie is free from his earthly sufferings, and is now in the presence of his Savior Jesus Christ, awaiting the resurrection of the body on the last day. A memorial for Bernie is tentatively planned for the spring of 2024.
Please keep Eileen, Glen, Gary, Greg, Nicole and all those who knew and loved Bernie in your prayers in the coming days; feel free to use the prayer below as a model.
Lord God, maker of heaven and earth and giver of life, we thank You for all the mercies You granted to our brother Bernie during his earthly life, especially for calling him to faith in Jesus Christ. Comfort the survivors who mourn his death with the hope of the glorious resurrection and a joyful reunion in heaven. Keep us mindful that we are mortal so that we will ever be prepared to die in the faith and finally receive the glory promised to all who trust in Your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Yours in Christ,
Rick Krueger
Messiah Lutheran Church
