Anita Ottema

Anita Magdelene (Staiger) Ottema passed away at the WCHS on October 17, 2023.

Anita was born in Glen Ullin, North Dakota on April 12, 1931. She was the daughter of Christian and Magdelene (Heupel) Staiger. Anita attended country school, grades 1^st-8^th outside of Glen Ullin. She then graduated high school in 1950. She went on to graduate from Dickinson University in Dickinson, North Dakota with a teaching degree. She taught for two years in a country school, south of Mandan, North Dakota. Knowing that teaching was not what she wanted to do, she took a job in Mandan, working at a Ben Franklin store. While there, she met Don on a blind date, they dated for two years, then married on October 2, 1954. Later, Duke and Barney were born in Bismarck, North Dakota before moving to Newcastle in August of 1957.

Over the years, Anita worked at the Antler Café and Sioux Café for eight years. She enjoyed working for Howard Sternberg, with many good, funny memories. In 1969, Anita started work at the Safeway store where she worked for twenty-two years, retiring in 1991.

Anita enjoyed bowling, bungo, and spending time visiting with family and friends. Anita and Don enjoyed watching Duke and Barney compete in sports, especially wrestling. They very seldom missed a match. She also loved going to the Senior Citizens building for coffee and cinnamon rolls with her friends.

Anita is survived by her sons Duke (DeAnn) and Barney (Tina) Ottema, all of Newcastle. Granddaughters Dawn Ottema, Heather (Josh) Ottema, Amanda (Jimmy) Mercer, Diane (Ty) Christensen, and grandson Duane (Lindsey) Ottema. Great-grandchildren Cameah Stevens, Troy and Brady Christensen, Aiden, Avery, and Ashlyn Ottema. Step-Grandson, Troy (Cassie) Casey and step-granddaughter, Cassie (Tudor) Barac-Matei. Step-Great grandchildren Devin Hendrickson, Isabel and Caleb Casey and Aglaia Barac-Matei.

She is Preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Don, her parents, and 4 brothers and 2 sisters.