David Frederick Oetinger
April 25, 1945 – July 29, 2025

David passed away peacefully at the age of 80 in Denton, Texas.  Born in Buffalo, New York, he had made Owensboro, Kentucky his home since 1984, where he served as Chairman of the Biology Department at Kentucky Wesleyan College (KWC).

As a native of western New York, David began his academic journey at Lakeshore Central High School (Angola, NY), followed by a degree from Houghton College. He went on to earn a Master of Science and later a Ph.D. from the University of Nebraska. He began his teaching career there and later taught at Houghton College before joining KWC, where he would conclude his teaching career spanning four decades. Throughout his career, he positively impacted the lives of thousands of students through his passion for biological sciences.

He also served his country as a Hospital Corpsman in the U.S. Navy from 1969 to 1973. In 1975, he earned a commission in the Navy Medical Service Corps and continued to serve as an officer in the U.S. Naval Reserve, retiring as a Commander in 1993.

Before settling in Owensboro, David and his family lived in Belfast, New York; Lincoln, Nebraska; and the U.S. territory of Guam. A lifelong learner and adventurer, he traveled extensively, particularly to France, Italy, and Belize. He was also a skilled woodworker, a talented photographer, and an avid tennis fan.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Clayton H. and June M. Oetinger; his siblings, Paul R. Oetinger, Thomas G. Oetinger, James C. Oetinger, and Judith L. Comini; and his godparents, Robert and Lorraine (Oetinger) Hennesen, of Buffalo, NY.

He is survived by his former wife, Madeline (Ivosevic) Oetinger; two sons, Wayne David Oetinger (Pamela Abernathy) of Denton, Texas, and Mark David Oetinger (Allison Gambill) of Louisville, Kentucky. He was the proud grandfather of Emily, Tyler, and Nicholas Oetinger, the children of Wayne and Pamela.

Honoring his wishes, there will be no visitation or service. His ashes will be returned to the earth along the bank of the Rhone au Rhine Canal in Mulhouse, France.