BOURBONAISE, IL -- Kenneth M. Otterness, 84, died at a local care facility Sunday afternoon, Feb. 15, 2025, from complications of pneumonia.
Ken Otterness was born at Dell Rapids, SD to Jens and Gladys Otterness, May 16, 1940. He grew up on the family farm northwest of Garretson, SD, near the present USGS EROS Data Center. During his primary years he attended a nearby country school and the Garretson Schools for his upper grades, graduating in 1958.
Otterness attended Drake University, Des Moines, IA majoring in that school’s music department. He lived most of his adult life in the Chicago area pursuing his career.
Ken Otterness is survived by his wife Terri, son Daniel and daughter Julie, and sister Gloria (Robert) Sanders of Garretson. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Conrad, LeRoy and James, and sisters Lorraine and Christie.
No ceremonies are planned and cremains will be interred by the family at a later date in the Spring.
