Esther Otten

Esther Marie Ellerman Otten passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, June 11, 2022, with her family at her side. Born September 18, 1930, on a farm to Ernest and Margaret (Lindy) Ellerman, she was a pioneer of women's achievement in their careers from the beginning. She attended St. Peter's Lutheran Elementary, Decker High School, Vincennes University and ultimately earned her Masters Degree in Education from Indiana State University. She truly believed educating young minds was her life's calling. Esther achieved many teaching awards including a Presidential Award, Outstanding Service award from the Phi Delta Kappa, State Mathematics Final awards, and was also recognized as a Decker High School distinguished alumnus. She especially loved mentoring her student teachers. Esther met and fell in love with her late husband Robert L. Otten through friends and they were married on August 22, 1954. After purchasing their current farm in 1956 and creating Robert Otten Farms, Esther added the long list of duties as a farmer's wife to her resume. After teaching over 36 years, she retired in 1992 from Franklin Elementary. Esther kept her mind and hands busy by tutoring students in her home for many years, growing beautiful flower gardens, creating pressed flower gifts and cards, and raising Australian Shepherd dogs. Beyond her career, nothing was more important than her family. She is lovingly survived by her son, Randy and Belinda Otten, and daughter, Aline Otten, her grandchildren, Robert and Maegan, Cory and Jessie, and five great grandsons, Reese, Kade, Cole, Jarred, and Jeremy. She is also survived by a brother, Chris Ellerman. Preceding her in death was her dear husband of nearly 63 years, Robert, her parents Maggie and Ernest Ellerman, and her sister Freida Johnson. Services are planned through Goodwin Sievers. Visitation will be Wednesday, June 15th from 4-8 at Gardner Brockman Funeral Home at 505 Main St, Vincennes, IN. Funeral services will take place Thursday, June 16th at St John Lutheran Church at 11AM. Pastor Ron Maxwell will be officiating. Internment will immediately follow at Royal Oak Cemetery on St Rd 550, Vincennes, IN. Memorial contributions may be made to St. John Lutheran Church and Daycare. Online condolences may be made at www.goodwinsievers.com