John Randall Oetken, 58, of Ames, Iowa (formerly of Davenport, Iowa) passed away on Monday, March 6, 2023 at his home following a brief illness. Per his wishes, cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 11, 2023 at The Elks Lodge, 522 Douglas Avenue, Ames, IA. Private inurnment will take place at Davenport Memorial Park Cemetery.
John was born on November 18, 1964 in Stockton, California to Randall E. and Carol Ann (Morris) Oetken. He graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a degree in chemistry. During his career, he worked for a number of chemical manufacturers in Iowa, most recently for AML Riverside, LLC, as an Environmental Health and Safety Manager.
John enjoyed watching football and baseball, as well as political and history programs, often with a running commentary by phone with one of his sisters. A self-trained and talented chef, he delighted in preparing meals for his many friends at the Ames Elks Lodge.
Left to cherish his memory are his sisters, Rita (Jon) Gustafson of Rock Island, Illinois, Janet (James) Pruckler of Danielsville, Georgia and Linda Oetken of Davenport, Iowa. He was utterly devoted to his nieces and nephews, Asta Gustafson (Dawson Reed), Rachel Pruckler, Patrick Pruckler, Nathaniel Gustafson, Parrish Gustafson, Roman Reed and Ivory Reed. He was beloved by a large extended family and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorials can be made to the Elks Lodge for the Emergency Educational Grants. But the best memorial anyone can leave for John is to hug those close to them and to tell them how much they are loved.
