Gilbert Ray Oetjen, age 82, died peacefully on Feb. 22, 2021 at his home in Paducah, Kentucky. He was born on July 24, 1938 in Campbell Hill, Illinois to Walter and Emma (Hornbostel) Oetjen.
Gilbert married Norma Lou (Huseman) Oetjen on Sept. 14, 1957 at St. John's Lutheran Church, Post Oak in Campbell Hill.
Gilbert was a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Golconda, Illinois since 1965, where he held many offices. He also was active in the Golconda Rotary, the Golconda Fire Department, and the Pope County Historical Society.
Gilbert was employed by Southeastern Illinois Electric Cooperative as a lineman/serviceman for 36 years in Pope and Hardin counties.
He is survived by his wife, Norma Oetjen, and their three children, Kurt (Michelle) Oetjen of Marshall, Illinois, Kim Rutherford (Tim Moore) of Elizabethtown, Illinois and Kelly (Lisa) Oetjen of Paducah.
He also leaves his grandchildren, Vance Oetjen, Victor Oetjen, Ava Oetjen, Addison Oetjen, Roman Rutherford, Kyle Oetjen and Kaci Oetjen; his sister Emilie (Morris) Oetjen; and his brother Larry Oetjen.
Gilbert was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Emma Oetjen; his father-in-law and mother-in-law Walter and Clara Huseman; his brother Leland Oetjen; sister Juanita Ebers; and son-in-law Steve Rutherford.
Gilbert and Norma enjoyed camping, traveling, square dancing, and games with friends.
Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 24 at Aly Funeral Home in Eddyville, Illinois with burial at Immanuel Lutheran Church, West Point in Campbell Hill. Visitation begins at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday and goes until time of service.
The family respectfully requests no flowers. Memorials may be made to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Golconda or Golconda Golden Circle.
