Julia L. Oetgen, 93, of Nebraska City, died May 9, 2008 at the Monarch Home in Lincoln. She was born Jan. 31, 1915 in Nebraska City to Golden “Goldie” and Lillian (Crabel) Riggs. She married Frederick Herman Oetgen on Dec. 31, 1937 in Nebraska City.

She graduated St. Bernard’s Academy (now Lourdes Central Catholic) in 1933. She enjoyed cooking, reading, visiting with friends and, especially, her grandson, Alex.

While her husband served during World War II, she worked at a department store in California. The couple returned to Nebraska City and owned and operated the Garden Cafe. She also worked at Wessels Department Store. The couple owned and operated The Lodge in Nebraska City for 20 years before their retirement. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, the Catholic Daughters and the Christian Mothers.

She is survived by daughter Katie Bebout and her husband, John, of Nebraska City; grandchildren Alex Bebout, Tyler Bebout and Rachael Marion; nieces and nephews, Lucille Sharp, Kim Musumeci, Tom Riggs, Kevin Sharp, Debby Kinart, Kurt Sharp, Diane Eloge, Kathy McKillip, Susan Wurtele, Mark Neumann and their families; the special women who cared for her in her home; and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband on Dec. 29, 2001; brother Charles “Bud” Riggs and his wife, Myrtle; sister Margaret “Jean” Sharp and husband Dale; and nephews Harmon Riggs and Ron Sharp.

Funeral services are at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Gude Mortuary in Nebraska City with Fr. Michael McCabe officiating. Burial will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Nebraska City. A prayer service is Monday at 7 p.m. at Gude Mortuary followed by the family receiving friends until 8 p.m.

Memorials are suggested to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Lourdes Endowment Fund, Nebraska City Rescue Squad or Hearts United for Animals Shelter in Auburn.

Condolences may be left at www.gudefuneralhomes.com.

Gude Mortuary, Nebraska City, is in charge of arrangements.