Janice E. Oetken

Janice E. Oetken, 60, of Mason City, died Tuesday, September 2, 2008 at home. Funeral services will be held 10:30 AM Friday at Our Saviours Lutheran Church, 2502 S. Jefferson with Rev. Emily Horrell officiating. Interment will be in the Rockwell Cemetery, Rockwell. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 PM Thursday at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Avenue and continue at the church one hour before the service. Memorials may be directed to Our Saviours Lutheran Church. Janice was born October 30, 1947 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa the daughter of Elvin Walker Sr. and Sarah Grayce Donovan. She graduated from Anamosa High School in 1965. Janice then graduated from the nursing program at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids and then worked as a nurse in Iowa City. She married Merlin Oetken February 24, 1973 in Anamosa. They moved to Rockwell for a short time then to Mason City. Janice loved children and helping others. She cared for Foster Children for over 20 years. Janice volunteered at the Crisis Intervention Center and Hospice of North Iowa. Her hobbies included crocheting, gardening, camping, bird watching, Elvis, and enjoying games and cards with her family and friends. She most recently worked part-time at McDonalds West here in Mason City. Janice accepted everyone and never judged others.

Janice is survived by her husband, Merlin Oetken of Mason City; children, Lynda Oetken of Mason City, Steve Nutt of Clear Lake, John Oetken of Nora Springs, Karen (Greg) Campbell of Las Vegas, Nevada, Dorene (Rick) Cornwell of Mason City, Kathy Oetken of Waterloo, Josh Oetken of Mason City and Rhianna Oetken of Mason City; daughter-in-law, Tammi Oetken of Manly; grandchildren, Khell, TJ, Raven, Emily, Matthew, Katie, Megan, Jackson, and Isaac; brother & sisters, Elvin Walker of Anamosa, John (Bev) Walker of Cedar Rapids, Dianne Foster of Martelle, George (Arlene) Walker of Cedar Rapids, David (Peggy) Walker of Anamosa, Ed Walker of Mississippi, Ivan (Jana) Walker Sr. of Anamosa, Jeri (Dawn) Walker of Viola, Barb A. (Dave) Colehour of Springville, and Kathy (Rick Jack Saw) Walker of Anamosa; 38 nieces and nephews; 50 great nieces and nephews.

Janice was preceded in death by her parents, son, Dean Oetken and brother, Mike Walker

Memorials:
Our Saviour's Lutheran Church

Cemetery:
Rockwell Cemetery

Visitation:
From 4:00 to 7:00 PM Thursday at Major Erickson Funeral Home

Service:
10:30 AM Friday at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church