David Dean Otten

He was born in Moline, Illinois on April 20th, 1947 to David “Dean” Otten and Elma June (Orwig) Otten of North Henderson, Illinois.

He graduated from Alwood High School in 1965, and started working in the field as an Elevator Constructor for Montgomery Elevator later that same year. In 1966, he was drafted into the U.S. Army where he served in Vietnam and as an MP at Ft. Knox, KY. After being released from active duty in 1968, at the rank of Sgt. E-5, he rejoined Montgomery, and years later subsequently KONE Elevator until his retirement in 2009. At the time he held the title of Director of Technical Support and Training.

On September 27, 1968, he was married to Sharon Kay Allen and they were later blessed with four children: David (Jessie) Otten, Tony (Keri) Otten, Jessica Otten Klingaman and Kevin Otten. They provided him with 8 grandchildren: Dean, Jacob, Luke and Ethan (David and Jessie), Matthew and Sarah (Tony and Keri), and Jackson and Jillian (Jessica). He was very proud of all his grandchildren and always told them they can do whatever they want at Nanny and Papa’s house as long as they don’t get hurt.

David’s hobbies and interests were all things racing, especially NASCAR and the NHRA. He was a huge fan of Dale Earnhardt.

The remainder of his immediate family includes his sister and brother-in-law, Karen and Roger Goben of South Bend, IN; his step-sister, Teri and the late Stan Erdmann of Coal Valley, IL; his late step-sister, Jacqueline and her husband Merwin of Cambridge, IL; and his stepfather, the late Everett “Bud” Clark.

Per David’s wishes, he will be cremated but there will not be any services. A celebration of life may be held at a later date, TBD. In lieu of gifts/flowers, please consider memorials to LeClaire Fire Department and EMS.