Vernon D. Ottema, 88, of Sheridan, WY, passed away Friday, January 5, 2018 at the Sheridan V. A. Medical Center surrounded by family that loved him very much. Vernon was born in Hensler, North Dakota on August 30, 1929 to Jacob and Lyone (Kirk) Ottema.
He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He married Mary Schwartz on April 9, 1954 in Wibeaux, Montana.
Vernon worked for the railroad in Hensler, ND and then farmed for a while.
Afterwards, he moved to Newcastle, Wyoming and worked in the oil fields. Sometime later, Vernon went back to Hensler and worked for UPA Power Plant for 11 years. His love for the outdoors brought him back to Wyoming where he owned and operated Bear Lodge for three years. Vernon spent four years working at Spring Creek Coal.
A logging accident from a tree falling on him laid him up for two and a half years. Though, after much physical therapy at the V.A. he was able to get around again.
Vernon loved to hunt elk, deer and do a lot of fishing. He was an Elks member and worked the Bingo games for many years along with many other tasks. Vernon was also, a life member of the D.A.V. and American Legion.
He was preceded in death by his parents, infant daughter, and two brothers. He leaves behind his wife, Mary of 63 years; three children, Sandra Ottema, Mark (Sue) Ottema, and Myron (Deb) Ottema all of Sheridan; five grandchildren, Mollie (Steve), Nicole (Chris) of Sheridan, Kayla of Pennsylvania, Jessica of Billings, MT and Nathan of Gillette, WY; and 12 great grandchildren, Keaton, Koltyn, Karson, Jasmine, Jorey, Jenacey, Audrina, Aurianna, Sheila, Ryker, Stetson, and Mason.
A Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. at Holy Name Catholic Church Thursday, January 11, 2018. Mass of the Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 12, 2018 at Holy Name Catholic Church with Father Robert Rodgers officiating and military honors. A luncheon will follow immediately in the Parish Hall. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 333 S. Beach, Casper, WY 82601 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Online condolences may be written at www.championfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Champion Funeral Home.
