Background
Otto III was probably born between 1475 and 1485 as the eldest son of John I and his wife Margaret of Lippe.
Otto III was probably born between 1475 and 1485 as the eldest son of John I and his wife Margaret of Lippe.
Otto"s second wife, Onna of Esens, introduced the Reformation in the County of Rietberg. In 1533, Otto III appointed two preachers from Lippe, to teach the new faith in the parishes of Rietberg and Neuenkirchen. Otto III suffered from ulcers on his legal
He died on 18 December 1535 and was buried in the Marienfeld Abbey.
He was the last Count of Rietberg to be buried there. On his grave stone in the cloister before the winter refactory a Latin text could be read: In the year of our Lord 1535, on 18 December, died Noble Lord Otto, Count and Lord of Rietberg.
May his soul rest in peace. In the year of our Lord 1523, the day before Saint Anthony, died of Sayn, Countess in Rietberg.
May her soul may in peace.
