Justin P. Oetken

I have known Justin since the halcyon days of 2005 in Sydney, Australia—a time when life seemed so much simpler than it is now. He called himself “Otis” back then, for reasons the rest of us could never quite fathom, and he quickly became a large, unforgettable presence in our lives.
Justin was never one to shy away from sharing his opinions. Blessed with a lightning-fast wit, a brilliant sense of humour, and an uncanny ability for the good-natured put-down, he always kept everyone around him on their toes. He was always a generous and loyal friend. Without a shadow of a doubt, a true original.
Over the subsequent 20 years, our group adventures took us to all corners, creating shared stories and lifelong memories that will never be forgotten.

It is incredibly difficult to face the reality that there won’t be one more trip together, and that his irreplaceable laugh has been silenced far too soon. My thoughts and deepest condolences are particularly with Mara and the Oetken family at this difficult time

My deepest sympathy to the Oetken family and to everyone whose life Justin touched. He was truly one of a kind. His energy, humor, and sense of adventure were unmatched, and whenever he was around, you knew life would never be boring. His laugh is something I will never forget.
I also knew Justin to be incredibly thoughtful, generous, and forgiving. He left a lasting impression on so many people, and I feel grateful to have known him. Sending love, prayers, and comfort to all who are mourning his loss.

Good bye my friend, we had alot of good times together. You were a wild man in the best of ways. Until we meet again.

From our adventure of a lifetime in Sydney in 2005, to Amsterdam and countless Euro trips in between, there’s no doubt we packed the memories into the years we knew you. You never needed asking twice when there was a trip involved. You would jump on a plane or in the car at short notice without hesitation often with the bare minimum carry-on luggage, and it wasn’t unknown for you to get waylaid on the occasional detour or pitstop from the airport. But whenever we eventually caught up, you’d already be surrounded by people you’d only just met, introducing them like buddies you’d known for years, with recommendations and plans for the rest of the trip already in place.

And that’s the Justin I remember, someone friends and strangers alike naturally gravitated towards because of your warmth, humour, energy, zest for life – and that distinctive laugh.

Alongside laughter, stories, and adventures came the life moments too…fatherhood, weddings, us all growing older, and the nights getting (slightly) earlier.

Wherever you are, it won’t be quiet or boring and I know you’ll be injecting the same laughter, energy, and light to that room that you always brought to ours. Rest easy and we’ll pull up a stool together again some day.

Justin. You were a true original. Effortlessly cool, relentlessly energetic, delightfully cutting but never mean, gloriously joyful (that laugh!), and quietly kind and generous. From lazy beach days and wild nights in Sydney to good times in Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Bruges and beyond, you always led the way. The stories are countless and the memories will sustain those you leave behind. Your friends will never forget you and will always raise a glass to you. Travel safe my friend.

Mein Freund, wir werden die Momente mit dir nicht vergessen… Du hast mit deinem Lachen alle angesteckt. Wir haben uns immer einen Spaß gemacht aus Onkel und Neffe, weil das sind wir nicht. Wir sind Freunde für immer…Uncle Yogert

Message: My friend, we will not forget the moments with you… You infected everyone with your laughter. We always made fun of uncle and nephew, because that’s not what we’re for. We are friends forever… Uncle Yogert

God am I gonna miss that laugh. Justin was my center of gravity and validation whenever we were together. Looking at these Facebook photos from family events we attended together, if you see Justin, I always clung close by. He listened. He was trusting. He had such a safe energy about him. He loved to joke but would never take it too far, and neither would anyone else because you always knew he meant well. Cause it was Justin. He was comic relief and told it like it is. The perfect combo.

We didn’t get to spend a lot of time together because I never lived close by, but I am so grateful for all the time I got to spend with him. Gonna always remember Justin for that contagiously chill attitude. I’ll definitely be missing him at the next family function to supply the vibes when I need to step away from it all. Maybe I can take that torch..

I can still feel his energy as I type this out. I’ll always remember him in this warm, calm, fun, safe, and proud energy. He made me feel like how family should. I’m so sad that he died so young and I never got to tell him how awesome I thought he was.

Love you, cuz! Can’t wait to see you again one day and hear that laugh again. Cheers

My condolences to the Oetken family. I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you and your loved ones during this difficult time.
I met Otis (Justin) in college at USD and we quickly became friends. We were neighbors in the dorms and after his time at the frat house were roommates. I’ve been flooded with a lot of great memories that were made with Otis. The life of the party, always up for doing something. You would regularly walk in on Otis listening to loud music, shaking his dismembered action figure while rocking out to the music. He was a great friend of so many. Definitely 1 of 1. I’ll never forget his laugh and hopefully I’ll be sharing stories of all the adventures we had together for years to come with friends, family, and strangers. Gone far to soon but will never be forgotten.

My thoughts go out to all of family Oetken. This loss comes way to soon. I’m so sorry.

Condolences to the Oetken family. I am so very sorry for your loss.

AMEN JUSTIN. I AM PROUD TO OF HAD YOU AS A NEPHEW.
MY LOVE AND SYMPANTHY TO THE WHOLE OETKEN FAMILY

My condolences for the loss of Justin, my niece’s dad.