Herman John Otten
Sola Scriptura – Scripture Alone
Sola Gratia – Grace Alone
Sola Fide – Faith Alone
Herman John Otten, 86, New Haven, MO, died peacefully at his home April 24, 2019, surrounded by loved ones. He was born March 3, 1933 in New York City, New York, to Herman and Louise (Tibke) Otten. He was baptized into Christ March 17, 1933 and confirmed his baptism in the rite of confirmation on May 25, 1947 at St. Matthews Lutheran Church. Herman Otten was a loving son, brother, husband, father, “Opa,” and friend. He was a hardworking, kind, encouraging and loving sinner saved by Christ through faith alone. He was a proud, patriotic American, but above all else, he was a child of God. He was a true soldier of the cross who loved the preservation of pure Christian doctrine and was willing to speak the truth.
Herman Otten started his education in the New York Public School System in the Bronx. He received his high school education from Concordia Collegiate Preparatory School and his college education from Concordia University, Bronxville, New York. He received his Master of Divinity from Concordia Seminary St. Louis, MO. Herman Otten completed his vicarage while attending Concordia Seminary in Rochester, New York. He received his Master of History from Washington University, St. Louis, MO. He served as a called Pastor for 55 years at Trinity Lutheran Church, New Haven, MO. He was the founder and editor of Christian News, and the Spiritual Counselor for Camp Trinity, which he and his beloved wife founded in 1973. In his free time, he enjoyed running, biking, swimming, traveling with his family, and sharing God’s word with everyone he met. He also enjoyed leading daily devotions and singing hymns with his children, grandchildren, other family members, church members, and friends.
He leaves his wife of 56 years, Grace (Anderson) Otten; his daughters Miriam (Randy) Hill and Ruth (Keith) Rethemeyer, his sons Tim (Mary Beth) Otten, Peter (Kerri) Otten, John (Julie) Otten, James (Karine) Otten, and Luke (Michelle) Otten; grandchildren Adam (Brittany), Gabrielle, and Micah Hill; Brooke Kluba and fiancé Brent Eggers, Sophia and Caleb Otten; Riley, Lydia, Caroline, and Oscar Otten; Matthew, David, and Rachel Otten; Joseph, Hannah, and Andrew Rethemeyer; Isaac, Moses, and Simeon Otten; Morgan and Alivia Guehne; Brothers Walter (Ruth) Otten, and Carl Otten, and sister Marie (Bill) Meyer; brother-in-law David (Judy) Anderson; and sister-in-law Mary Anderson and many nieces and nephews, friends and followers across the globe. He is preceded in death by his parents Herman and Louise Otten; in-laws Anselm and Luella Anderson, sister-in-law Deann Otten; brother-in-law Jim Anderson; and sister-in-law Phyllis Anderson.
He received a Christian Burial on April 25, 2019 at Camp Trinity. A memorial service and Celebration of his life was held at 2 p.m. on April 28, 2019 at Trinity Lutheran Church, New Haven, MO. There was a dinner following the service at Camp Trinity where all friends were asked to join for food and fellowship. In lieu of flowers, to continue God’s ministry at Camp Trinity his wishes were that all memorials be directed to Camp Trinity, New Haven, MO.
“May I never boast of anything but the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by Whom the world is crucified to me and I to the world.” Galatians 6:14.