Obituary-Harvey Ottens

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. on Friday, April 24, 2026, at the Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Homes. The funeral service will follow at 11:30 a.m. at the funeral home, with Mr. Rich Criss officiating. Interment will be at Grove Hill Cemetery in Morrison. Memorials have been established to Morrison American Legion Post #328.

Harvey was born February 28, 1932, in Garden Plain, IL, to Joseph G. and Minnie (Jaarsma) Ottens. He was educated in the Morrison grade schools and went on to serve in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict. On September 11, 1959, he married Sharon K. Schroeder in Petersburg, IL. They shared their lives for over 49 years before her passing on August 21, 2009.

Harvey began his working career with Groharing Masonry and later worked at Agrico in Fulton, IL. He then was employed by ADM for 29 years, retiring in May of 1997, and continued working part-time there for an additional 12 years. He was a member of the Morrison VFW and Morrison American Legion Post #328, where he greatly enjoyed spending time and camaraderie with fellow members. Harvey had a love for the outdoors and was an avid gardener. He enjoyed fishing, playing cards, and going to the horse races. He also looked forward to attending events at the Milkhouse. Harvey and his wife, Sharon, enjoyed traveling and taking road trips together. Above all, he treasured time spent with his family and friends, especially attending and cheering on his grandchildren at their sporting events.

Survivors include three daughters, Lisa (Steve) Goodenough of Morrison, IL, Shelley Tiesman of Morrison, IL, and Kristine (Michael) Matthews of Charlotte, NC; five grandchildren, Mathew (Kimberly) Warren, Jason (Domini) Buikema, Casey (Katie) Tiesman, Megan (Matthew) Rangen, and Ethan (Megan) Goodenough; eight great-grandchildren, Cambell, Harper, Lilah, and Scarlett Buikema; Owen Rangen; and Baron, Vivian, and Sophie Tiesman; and one sister, Betty Ann Matthews of La Jolla, CA.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Sharon; one son-in-law, Jeff Tiesman; six sisters, Pauline Ottens, Katherine Bielema, Johanna Vegter, Jessie Dykema, Della Mae Deelsnyder, and Luella Buis; and three brothers, David, LaVerne, and Gerald Ottens.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Harvey, please visit the floral store. Online condolences can be shared at bosmarenkes.com.