Joyce (Kellen) Otting

 1936-2026

Joyce was born in Minnesota and grew up in Sterling, Illinois.  She received her BSN from St Ambrose College and embarked on a long and distinguished career as a nurse.  In 1958 she married Fred Otting and they started their life together in Des Moines.  While raising four children, she applied for the newly formed anesthesia training school at VA Medical Center.  She was among the first group of women anesthetists to graduate from that program and worked for decades as a CRNA at several hospitals including Mercy, Northwest, and the VA Medical Center in Des Moines.  She gifted her family a profound legacy through her belief in the benefits of education and the lifelong pursuit of knowledge.

Joyce loved school as a child and remained an intrepid lifelong learner.  In addition to her brilliant career as an anesthetist, she pursued countless interests and endeavors with great success both before and after retirement. She obtained the designation of Certified Professional Parliamentarian; became a professional tax preparer; obtained her securities license; studied Spanish for several years; was elected to the Iowa Falls City Council; enjoyed learning the piano; was an accomplished duplicate bridge player and instructor; played saxophone in the community band; and other interests too numerous to mention. Joyce spent the final years of her life at Calvin Community in Des Moines, where she was cared for by an attentive and exceptional staff. She was the absolute model of quiet modesty, determination, and accomplishment.

Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, Fred Otting, and her brother, John Kellen. She is survived by her sisters Kathleen Kellen (Earl Lemke) and Margaret Brechon; sisters-in-law Sally Kellen, Barb Otting, and Sue Otting; her children, Roger (Nancy) Otting, Gary Otting, Marcia (Peter) Facciola, and Laura Otting (John Hoffman); four grandchildren, Nicholas (AnnieKate) Otting, Emelia Otting, Joie Otting, and Addie Otting; and three great-grandchildren, Molly, Turner, and Charlie Otting.

Visitation and a funeral Mass will be held at Holy Trinity Catholic Church (2926 Beaver Ave, Des Moines, IA) on Friday, May 8, 2026

Visitation: 10:00am – 11:00am

Rosary: 11:00am

Funeral Mass: 11:30am

Memorial Preferences

In lieu of flowers, the family invites memorial contributions to be made to the Calvin CARES Fund at Calvin Community; Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Des Moines; Catholic Worker House in Des Moines; or Hope Ministries in Des Moines.