White Funeral Home
400 First Street West
Independence, Iowa 50644

Independence – Otto “Junior” Eschen, Jr., 85 years old, of Independence, Iowa, died on Wednesday, August 19, 2020, at the Buchanan County Health Center in Independence.  He was born on September 9, 1934, in Independence, Iowa, the son of Otto Rudolph and Elsie (Sankey) Eschen, Sr.  He graduated from high school in Independence with the Class of 1953.  On September 26, 1954, he and the former JoAnn Terry were married at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa.  She preceded him in death in 2015.  Mr. Eschen was a petroleum marketer and automobile mechanic at Bill and Don’s Phillips 66 for 35 years.  He retired in 1994.  He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Independence.  He enjoyed spending time at casinos, watching boaters on the river, traveling and fishing.  He also liked to help at Eschen’s Clothing in Independence and caring for and spending time with his wife.

Mr. Eschen is survived by 2 daughters, DeeAnn (Eric) Sage of Dunkerton, Iowa, and Debbie (Mark) Merfeld of Independence, 1 son, Daniel (Anita) Eschen of Independence, 9 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and 1 sister, Darlas Reilly of Humboldt, Iowa.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, and 3 brothers, Lewis Eschen, Lee Eschen, and Lavern Eschen.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, August 25, 2020, at the White Funeral Home in Independence with Sharon Bainbridge officiating.  Burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery in Independence.  Friends may call for visitation from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 24^th, at the White Funeral Home.  Masks and social distancing are encouraged.