Roll Call Tribute

John W. Ochterbeck 
April 13, 1936 - March 30, 2023 

John W. Ochterbeck, 86, born April 13, 1936 in Albuquerque, New Mexico passed away on Thursday, March 30, 2023, in Las Vegas, New Mexico. He is preceded in death by his parents, Wilbur J. and Carrie S. Ochterbeck, and his wife of 44 years, Diana K. Ochterbeck.

After growing up in Albuquerque, John attended Texas A&M University in College Station, TX and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics in 1958. During his time at Texas A&M University in the Corps of Cadets, he served as a company commander and was a member of the prestigious Ross Volunteers, which serves as the Honor Guard for the Governor of the State of Texas.

Following his graduating from Texas A&M, and a brief stint as an officer in the US Army, he returned to New Mexico and began to work with his father and mother in Las Vegas at Farmway Feed & Equipment Company, a company founded by his father, Wilbur, in 1947. It was in his return to New Mexico and move to Las Vegas that he met the love of his life, Diana, who was a recent widow with three young children. They were married on November 22, 1963.

During his time working with his parents at Farmway Feed, followed by his taking over the business in the late 1970s from his father, he was devoted to serving the agricultural community of the north-central to northeastern parts of New Mexico until his retirement in 2021. John thoroughly enjoyed working with his customers from the local areas as he always found the time for, and thoroughly enjoyed, long visits with them. He was a strong supporter of the regional county fairs and the 4-H/FFA programs.

He is survived by his sister, Beverly Southard of Haleiwa, Hawaii; his son, Jay M. Ochterbeck of Las Vegas, NM and his granddaughter Claire O. Ochterbeck and her mother, Cynthia C. Ochterbeck; stepson, David Spiess and his wife Janine Spiess of Anchorage, Alaska and their children Jayme Spiess, James Spiess; stepdaughter Linda Spiess of Albuquerque; stepdaughter Karen Spiess Lacey of Santa Fe and her children Rachel Garcia (husband David), Grant Lacey; and seven step-great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, May 8, 2023, 10:00am at the United Methodist Church, 715 National Avenue, Las Vegas, New Mexico.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the New Mexico Boys & Girls Ranch, P.O. Box 9, Belen, New Mexico 87002-0009 or to a local 4-H/FFA organization.

Arrangements are entrusted to and under the care of Rogers Mortuary 600 Reynolds Ave Las Vegas, NM 87701 505-425-3511 or 1-800-479-3511.

Please visit our online website www.rogersmortuarynm.com to sign the online register book.