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Submitted: 5/29/21 • Approved: 6/4/21 • Last Updated: 6/7/21 • R272269-G272269-S3
Robert E Otten
May 8, 1927 - October 31, 2020
Robert “Bob” E. Otten, age 93 of Sioux Falls, SD died on Saturday, October 31, 2020 at Avera Prince of Peace in Sioux Falls, SD. Funeral Services will be 10:00 AM Thursday, November 5, 2020 at Zion Lutheran Church with interment at Woodlawn Cemetery. Visitation will be on Wednesday, November 4, 2020 at George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory, Sioux Falls from 5:00-7:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Zion Lutheran Radio Fund.
Bob worked as an ‘over the road’ truck driver at Morrell’s for over 30 years. After his retirement, he drove for Jack Rabbit Tour Bus lines, and later for School Bus, Inc. He also became a courier, delivering pharmaceuticals to outlying nursing homes on rural routes for OmniCare. He would go out in the late evenings and during blizzards without hesitation, because ‘well, somebody’s in trouble and needs these’. One of his last jobs was at SuperWash, where he loved entertaining the children, giving out free tokens and lollipops.
Bob volunteered as a mentor in the SD State Penitentiary M2 (Man-to-Man) program for 40 years, visiting inmates, sharing his faith and giving hope to inmates. Bob could talk to anybody, and find something in common during each interaction.
Bob was also heavily involved at Zion Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls, since the mid-70’s. He was in the Stephen Ministries, served as an elder, participated in the “Streets of Bethlehem” and enjoyed regular bible study groups.
Bob was a U.S. Army veteran and often spoke of the bridges and berms they’d quickly erect in Korea, and the bartering he did as a Supply Sergeant, so that he could return with needed supplies or treats for his guys. He went to Washington, D.C. on an Honor Flight and enjoyed visiting all the memorials, meeting Sen. Tom Daschle and swapping stories with his fellow veterans.
Grateful for sharing his life are his wife, Lu Otten of Sioux Falls, SD; grandson, Jesse Otten of Highlands Ranch, CO; great-grandson, Ayden Otten; step--children, Kenda (Brian) Weeks of Tea, SD, Jan (Jock) Piel of Arnold, CA, Lisa (Amy) Eisenhauer of Tea, SD, Andy Eisenhauer of Sioux Falls, SD, Sara (Wayne) Andrews of Brandon, SD; eight step-grandchildren; four step-great grandchildren; two step-great great grandchildren; numerous cousins, relatives, and many friends.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, George and Gladys (Keller) Otten; his first wife, Mary Lou Otten in 1977; sons, Mark and Michael Otten; brothers, Kenneth and Edward Otten; sisters, Annabelle and Erma June; and grandson, Nicholas Otten.
section Maple Leaf - Plot 462
Contributed on 5/29/21 by 9katz
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Record #: 272269