Obituaries
KELBY LEE OTTENS, 64, of Morrison, IL, passed away on Monday, November 6, 2023 at his home.
There will be no visitation or funeral services. The family is holding a private graveside service at Grove Hill Cemetery in Morrison, and planning a Celebration of Life for 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. Saturday, November 11th 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.
Kelby was born May 20, 1959 in Clinton, IA, to Leon and Joyce (Hoogheem) Ottens. He received his early education in Chadwick, IL 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 the Morrison United Methodist Church, the 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; two sons, Nate (Megan) Ottens and Greg Ottens, both of Morrison; one bonus daughter, Sydnee (Alex) Hogue of Port Byron, IL; four grandchildren, Damen Kingdon, Mason Kingdon, Jaden Hamilton and Lucy Jo Ottens. He is also survived by his mother, Joyce Ottens of Morrison, his significant-other of 25 years, Gloria Ivey, of Morrison, one sister, Pam (Weeter Weiting) Murdock of Savanna, IL; one brother, Kendall Ottens of Morrison.
Kelby was preceded in death by his father, Leon.
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Previous Events
Celebration of Life
11
Nov
18675 13th Street
Fulton, IL 61252
