Heaven gained a sports fan when our dear father passed away, on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at the age of 93. Jack Hubert Ottosen, Yorkville, IL, was born on September 25, 1931, son of John and Florence (Nunn) Ottosen. He was raised in Wisconsin and northern Illinois, graduating from Stockton High School in 1949. He served in the army during the Korean War.
He married the love of his life, Arlena Fish Ottosen, on January 1, 1955. They shared many happy years together before her passing in 2010. They raised six children including Joel (Nancy) Ottosen of Yorkville, IL; Dale (Cynthia) Ottosen of Cayuga, NY; Lee Ann (Kurt) Harper of The Villages, FL; Karl (Aimee) Ottosen of Chicago, IL; Elaine (Gary) Baker of Payson, IL. David Ottosen, the youngest son, passed away in 2021. Jack leaves 12 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
In their early married life, Jack and Arlena farmed in northwestern Illinois. Later, he became the Farm Bureau Manager in Kendall and Whiteside Counties. Although he did not farm in his later career, he loved to mow acres of grass each week on his John Deere tractor, at their home in the country. His love of life in the country and affinity for agriculture never faded.
Jack was an avid sports fan and loved the Chicago White Sox and the Fighting Illini. He managed the Morrison Merchants Softball Team for many years while living in Whiteside County. His favorite athletes, however, were his kids and grandkids. He traveled near and far to watch them in any sporting event.
He loved his family dearly and supported them, by attending events throughout their lives. From plays, to band concerts, to musicals to birthday parties, he enjoyed them all. With pride, he recounted stories of his kids and grandkids to anyone who would listen.
Jack was a longtime member of Morrison United Methodist Church, Morrison Rotary Club, Morrison Historical Society, and Whiteside County Farm Bureau.
Friends may greet the family at Morrison United Methodist Church, 200 W. Lincolnway, in Morrison, IL, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 9, 2025, with the Funeral service following at 11:00.
Burial will follow at Grove Hill Cemetery in Morrison, IL.
The Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be given in his honor to Morrison Historical Society, Morrison Rotary Scholarship Fund, or Whiteside County Farm Bureau Foundation.