Gary Lee Ottens, 79, of Morrison, IL, died Thursday, April 25, 2024, at Homestead Assisted Living in Morrison.
Gary was born May 19, 1944, in Morrison, to Garrett and Gertrude (Housenga) Ottens. He was educated in the Union Grove Grade School and attended Morrison High School. He served his Country during the Vietnam Conflict, stationed in Thailand, as a Combat Engineer for the United States Army. He married Linda Lou Schipper on October 18, 1968, in Fulton, IL; they later divorced. Gary was a full-time Farmer. His commitment extended beyond farming, as he also worked for the Whiteside County Highway Department until his retirement. Gary’s mischievous spirit made him well known as a big prankster. He enjoyed putting puzzles together.
Survivors include his daughters, Julie Zuidema, Missy (Alex) Williams, Crystal (Marc Manchester) Ottens, Dawn (Dan) Quick, and Angie (Scott) Strobbe all of Morrison; son, Chad (Wendy Schuchhardt) Ottens of Mineral, IL; 12 grandchildren; one great-grandson; brothers, Richard (Marlene) Ottens of Morrison and James (Barb) Ottens of Dunnellon, FL; brothers-in-law, Albert Vos of Morrison and Dewey Decker of Erie, IL; sister-in-law, Joyce Ottens of Morrison; many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one granddaughter, Natalie Williams; sisters, Betty Vos and Alberta Decker; brother, Leon Ottens.
His funeral service was held at 11:00 a.m., on Monday, April 29, 2024, at the Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home, with Rich Criss, Ministry Coordinator of Emmanuel Church in Morrison, officiating.
A visitation was held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., on Sunday, April 28, 2024, at the Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home.
Interment was at Grove Hill Cemetery in Morrison, IL.
A memorial has been established.