Kelby Lee Ottens, 64, of Morrison, IL, passed away on Monday, November 6, 2023, at his home.
Kelby was born May 20, 1959, in Clinton, IA, to Leon and Joyce (Hoogheem) Ottens. He received his early education in Chadwick, IL, and was a 1977 graduate of Chadwick High School. Kelby first worked as a Bull Hauler. Following this, he embarked on a 22-year career with Union Pacific Railroad, retiring in 2016. He was a member of various organizations, including Morrison United Methodist Church, Morrison Masonic Dunlap Lodge #321 AF & AM, the NRA, and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen–BLET. He had an unwavering passion for Harley Davidson motorcycles and relished the open road on his rides. Kelby also found immense joy in farming and cattle-raising.
Survivors include his daughter, Jamie Given of Fulton, IL; sons, Nate (Megan) Ottens and Greg Ottens, both of Morrison; bonus daughter, Sydnee (Alex) Hogue of Port Byron, IL; four grandchildren, Damen Kingdon, Mason Kingdon, Jaden Hamilton, and Lucy Jo Ottens; mother, Joyce Ottens of Morrison; significant-other of 25 years, Gloria Ivey, of Morrison; sister, Pam (Weeter Weiting) Murdock of Savanna, IL; brother, Kendall Ottens of Morrison.
Kelby was preceded in death by his father, Leon.
There will be no Visitation or Funeral services.
The family is holding a private Graveside Service at Grove Hill Cemetery in Morrison, IL.
A Celebration of Life gathering will be held from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., Saturday, November 11, 2023, at King Pins Saloon in Fulton , IL.
The Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.
A memorial has been established.