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1924 Beatrice 2019

Beatrice Georgiana Ingrid Johnson Hankins Otdoerfer

February 15, 1924 — November 16, 2019

Beatrice Georgiana Ingrid Johnson Hankins Otdoerfer (95) went peacefully to be with her Lord on Saturday, November 16, 2019.

Born February 15, 1924 in Superior, Wisconsin to Enoch and Myrtle (Carlson) Johnson of Lake Nebagamon, Wisconsin. She was married to Charles M. Hankins from July 19, 1942 until he passed away on July 31, 1967. They had a loving marriage and raised their five children together. Later Bea was married to Roger Otdoerfer from January 13, 1973 until his death on December 15, 2001.

Bea was a kind and loving person with a lot of energy! She enjoyed quilting, ceramics, baking and spending time with her family. A woman of strong faith, she was always a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Bea asked Jesus to be her Lord and Savior as a child and stayed close to His side her whole life. She was passionate about sharing the gospel with others, especially children. Throughout her life she taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Good News Clubs and 5-day Clubs. Part of her responsibilities in her 20 years as director of Child Evangelism Fellowship of Greater Rockford was to train others to teach in churches throughout the city and in small towns in the surrounding counties. After retiring from CEF she took classes at Rock Valley, becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant at Willows on Main nursing home, where she was honored as the employee of the year in 1998. She had also worked at Jewel Foods and Swedish American Hospital in the 1960’s.

As time progressed, Bea’s memory started to fade. She dealt with dementia for many years but always had a gentle spirit and a thankful heart. In fact, in later years, she often said, “Thank you, thank you.” Even in the mist, she could always sing or at least hum the hymns. We know that she is singing now in heaven, praising God and thanking Him while He tells her, “Well done My good and faithful servant!”

She is survived by her children: Karen (Steve) Kemmer of Canadian, Oklahoma, Trudy Lewis of Rockford, Illinois, Jennifer (David) Retzlaff of Rockford, Illinois, son-in-law Allan DeLine of Gordon, Wisconsin, daughter-in-law Peggy Burke of Hanover Park, Illinois; nine grandchildren – Mark (Lilly) Vittetow, Kenneth (Belinda) Gruber, Dawn (Bob) Vich, Kristen (Paul) Busch, Aaron (Dawn) DeLine, Thomas (Janna) Gruber, Chuck Hankins, Emma Retzlaff, Andrew (Clare) Retzlaff; 17 great-grandchildren – Luke, Joie, Mackenzie, Carlie, Rachel, Jason, Jacob, Carissa, Owen, Rhyann, Devin, Macyn, Josh, Brynna, Sloane, Liam; 11 great-great grandchildren – Ellie Belle, Penelope, Brianna, Effie, Ellie, Travis, Caleb, Caitlyn, Judah, River, Ty; sister Sally Fiandt, and sister-in-law Gini Johnson, stepchildren Linda Moss, Randy, Alan and David Otdoerfer. Predeceased by her daughters Susan Hankins, Linda DeLine, son Charles A. Hankins, son-in-law Bruce Lewis, grandson Zach Vittetow, siblings - Robert Johnson, Donald (Kay) Johnson, Dorothy (Laurence) DeMar, Gordon (Marlene) Liljegren, (William) Fiandt, stepdaughter Lorna Nafziger.

Services at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 23, 2019, in Temple Baptist Church, 3215 East State Street, Rockford, Illinois. Burial will be in Gordon, Wisconsin at a later date.

Special thanks to the staff at Fairhaven Christian Retirement Center and Northern Hospice for their wonderful care.

Memorials can be made to Child Evangelism Fellowship or Alzheimer’s Association.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Beatrice Georgiana Ingrid Johnson Hankins Otdoerfer, please visit our flower store.

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Saturday, November 23, 2019

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