"Heaven has gained an Angel"

William C. Otten Sr., 89, of Rock Island, passed away Thursday, January 12, 2017 at UnityPoint Health - Trinity Rock Island.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Friday at St. Pius X Catholic Church, Rock Island.  A rosary will be recited Thursday at 4 p.m. followed by visitation from 4:30 - 7 p.m. at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Rock Island.  Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery, Rock Island.  Memorials may be made in care of the American Heart Association.

William, a lifelong resident of Rock Island, was born September 5, 1927, the son of Edward and Mary Gillespie Otten.  He married Rita Smith on June 12, 1948 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Rock Island.

William was a U.S. Army veteran who served during WWII.  He was a member of St. Pius X Catholic Church, Rock Island, and the Knights of Columbus.  He also belonged to the Bricklayers Union Local 7, Rock Island, for 70 years.

William will be remembered for his love of cards, his love for the Chicago Cubs baseball team, his jokes and his smiling face.  His love of family was very important to him and he was very proud of them.  He was an inspiration to all that knew him, had a kind word for others and was always willing to help.  He will be missed by all.

Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Rita Otten, Rock Island; children (and spouses), Mary Kay (Fran) Glidewell, William (Lori) Otten Jr., Patricia (Richard) Requet, Larry (Dionne) Otten and Jim (Lori) Otten; 14 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, son, Joseph and two brothers, Jack and Edward.