Obituary of Gary Ottenstroer

Gary Ottenstroer, 69, of North Brunswick went to be with Jesus on Monday, August 7, 2017 at Francis E. Parker Nursing Home.  Born in Newark, NJ he was a resident of Edison and North Brunswick for most of his life.

Mr. Ottenstroer served for four years in the United States Air Force. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus in Fords, NJ. He loved Jesus and his family and on Saturday mornings he could be found going to Dunkin to get his wife a coffee. He was kind and gentle and had a great sense of humor. He was only ever serious to assure his children that he was proud of them and that he loved them.  Gary served the community through My Neighbor’s Pantry at Zarephath Christian Church. His disease took much of his ability to speak early on, but by God’s grace he was able to pray with each person that received their food. He was also a member of the men’s ministry at Zarephath Christian Church.

Gary served no one greater than his family. He worked all his life to provide for his children and wife, and he had no greater joy than to be with his family and grandchildren on any given day. He was an avid reader and Civil War historian. He enjoyed many trips to Gettysburg to tour the grounds and see reenactments. He loved to play golf and was a diehard Yankee and Giants fan.

Gary was predeceased by his parents Joseph and Winona Ottenstroer. Surviving is his wife Susan, who he called Susie and who drove him crazy for 43 years of marriage and their three children: His favorite son Chris Ottenstroer his wife Sheryl and their three daughters Alexandra, Cadence, and Amelia ;his favorite middle child Corinne Rhodes and her husband John; and his favorite youngest child Amanda Mancusi, her husband James and their three children Emily, Adrienne, and Ma’roc. Gary is also survived by his two sisters Carol Chisholm and her husband Lee and his sister Heidi Karbownik and her husband Walter.

Friends and relatives are invited to a memorial service on Saturday, August 12, 2017 at 11 am at Zarephath Christian Church 2 Ministry Center Drive Zarephath, NJ. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gary Ottenstroer’s name to Alzheimer’s Association of NJ at alznj.org or by mail to Alzheimer’s of New Jersey 400 Morris Ave. Unit 251 Denville, NJ 07834.