After a life of love and quiet grace, Alden "Bud" Otten, 86, of Tea, SD, SD has passed.
Here is what mattered, in the years between the dates.
Alden entered this world in 1938 — the start of a journey that would span 87 years.
Alden spent his working life as ['dog handler in the military police in Germany', 'fuel engineer instructor'] — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew him best.
Some answer a call. Alden was one of them.
Bud was born on September 23rd, 1938 in Parker to Fred and Florence (Reiner) Otten and raised on a farm by Tea, SD. He enlisted in the US Air Force in 1956. He started his military career as a dog handler in the military police in Germany. He ended his military career as a fuel engineer instructor. After retiring from the military in 1977, he went on to work for 3M and sell insurance.While stationed in Germany, he met his wife Helene "Dita" Lewandowski of Trier, Germany. They were married on August 9th, 1960. To this union, three daughters were born. Bud's military career took the family all around the world, spending time in Africa, Spain, and France. He loves spending time with his family, fishing, golfing, camping, and traveling. After fully retiring, they spent their winters in McAllen, Texas.Those left to honor his memory are his wife Dita of 65 years; daughters Cindy (David) Hostetler of Chancellor, Becky (Danny) Olson of Tea, and Diana (Glenn) Roe of Tea; Five grandchildren Bobby Jo Hostetler (Todd) of Parker, Brandon (Meagan) Olson of Worthing, Kasey (Oliver) Buum of Tea, April (Justin) Gabbert of Tea, and Whitney Roe of St. Cloud, MN; great-grandchildren Riley (Gavin) Meadors, Braylon Hostetler, Kaiya Buum, Kylee Olson, Blake Gabbert, Kaleb Gabbert, Brice Olson, and Bradey Olson; great-great- granddaughter Emerson Marie Meadors; two-step grandchildren, Korben Buum and Remington Jacobson; one brother Curt (Darla) Otten of Tea, and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, three sisters, three brothers and one granddaughter.Thank you to all the VA doctors, nurses and caregivers who provided excellent care. We are forever grateful.
