Theron Otterbacher

Theron Otterbacher, 73, of Zion, IL died on Friday, March 23, 2012 at Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, IL. He was born July 19, 1938 in Zion in the house that belonged to his parents and grandparents and where he and his wife currently live. He married Susan Alshouse in Zion on March 26, 1966. He was an active member of Christ Community Church of Zion where he served faithfully with the Zion Guards, had served on the Building and Grounds Committee, was a cast member of the Zion Passion Play, early on in his life was a member of Zion Jr. Guards, and was active in Camp Zion Ministries in Door County. Theron graduated from Zion-Benton Township High School in 1956, received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Michigan State University, his Teacher Certificate from University of Illinois, and his Masters of Education from Louis University. While in college at Michigan State he served with the National Forest Service. Later he taught Science at Zion Central Jr. High School for 33 years and was a part-time Auxiliary Zion Police Officer, and was founding member of Zion Park District Police where he also served for many years. While at Michigan State University he served in the R.O.T.C. with the Pershing Rifles Drill Team and later served in the United States Army achieving the rank of 1st Lieutenant. He was also a Captain with the Civil Air Patrol, Lake County Squadron. Theron joined Zion-Benton American Legion Post #865 of Zion in 1988. He served as Post Commander from 1993 until 1995 and was currently the Post Treasurer. He was also a member of Zion Kiwanis Club, was Treasurer of Rolling Thunder, and was into historical re-enactment with both the Brigade of the American Revolution and Northwest Territory Alliance. Survivors include his wife of 46 years Susan; children Audra (Stephen) Dutler of Kenosha, WI, Daniel (Roxanne) Otterbacher of Zion, IL, and Heidi (Ryan) Lindsey of Beach Park, IL; five grandchildren Rachel and Ian Dutler, Makenna and Ethan Lindsey, and Jerred Otterbacher; one sister Marie Kinnick of Marshfield, WI; one brother Alan (Suzanne) Otterbacher of Geneva, NY; and his sister-in-law Bridgette Otterbacher of Waukegan, IL. He was preceded in death by one brother Neil Otterbacher; and his parents Warren and Eula Otterbacher. Visitation will be Friday, March 30, 2012, from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Christ Community Church, 2500 Dowie Memorial Drive, Zion. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 31st, at 10:30 a.m. at Christ Community Church with Pastor Jon Wiziarde officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Memorial Park, Zion. Memorial donations to either Zion-Benton American Legion Post #865, or Zion Conservatory of Music have been suggested.