Eleanore M. Oetjen

Eleanore Oetjen, age 99, of Ridgewood passed away peacefully on April 16, 2026 at home. Born in Brooklyn, NY, she lived there until 1959 when she and her husband Bill and their children, moved to Ridgewood. She was a devoted wife, mother, aunt, grandmother and great grandmother who will be missed dearly by her family. She was predeceased by her husband of 66 years, William Oetjen. Surviving are her children Barbara Oetjen Baron and her husband Jack of Brick Nj and her son, Bill of Ridgewood. Also surviving are her three grandchildren, Jennifer Baron and her husband Jon Swanson of Arlington, VA, Gregory Baron and his wife Kristin Stitcher of Arlington, VA and Elizabeth McLaughlin and her husband Bob McLaughlin of Garden City NY, as well as her four great-grandchildren Grant, Madeleine, Reilly and Carter.

Eleanore cherished spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was an active member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ridgewood, including leading youth group activities and serving as a member of the church choir. She enjoyed gardening, especially planting and nurturing flowers. She enjoyed attending many community events, including the annual 4th of July parade and fireworks display and Jamboree, a variety show performed by parents of students of Ridgewood High School. Her favorite travel destinations included trips to Vermont, Canada and Germany as well as numerous senior excursion trips with relatives.

The Oetjen family will receive friends on Monday, April 20 from 3:00 - 6:00 PM at the Vander Plaat Funeral Home, 257 Godwin Avenue, Wyckoff, NJ. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, April 21 10:00 am at the funeral home. Interment to follow at Valleau Cemetery, Ridgewood, NJ. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the NJ Chapter of Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, 766 Shrewsbury Avenue, Suite 404 East Building, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724 or to Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 155 Linwood Ave, Ridgewood, NJ 07450.

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