Dr. John W. Otten

Dr. John W. Otten, 91, of Washington, formerly of Peoria, passed away at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, September 13, 2015 at Riverview Senior Living Community in East Peoria. He was born November 24, 1923 in Peoria, IL to John H. and Alice Carroll Otten. He married Nora Jane Minch in Washington, IL on June 1, 1947. She preceded him in death on February 4, 2015. He was also preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Gerald. Surviving are four children, Michael J. (Nancy) Otten of Westmont, Kevin (Wendy) Otten of Albuquerque, NM, Mary Lynn Otten of Washington, Janet K. (Todd) Burke of Washington; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; two brothers, Jim Otten of Washington, Charles Michael (Patricia) Otten of San Jose, CA; and sister-in-law, Deloris Otten of Washington. Dr. Otten’s Career Achievements include: • 40 years as general surgeon with sub-specialties in trauma and oncology. • Developed and directed major regional emergency medical service program serving 1.1 million Illinois residents. • Pioneered, implemented and conducted an EMS police training course stressing inter-agency cooperation. • Appointed as consultant to the Illinois Department of Public Health to develop the mobile intensive care systems. • Introduced multi-disciplinary trauma team concept to Regional Trauma Center physicians and personnel in 1974. • Implemented trauma response and transfer teams as Medical Director of regional EMS System. • Obtained $1.6 million legislative appropriation for additional state helicopter and pilots. • Coordinated with Henry Slane (chairman of the board and chief executive officer of the Peoria Journal Star) to base the newly acquired state helicopter and pilots at the Peoria Journal Star. • Consultant to the United States Secret Service in developing procedures and protocols to provide health care for the President, Vice President, Cabinet Members, and Heads of State when traveling within the U.S. • Worked on international projects on behalf of U.S. agencies and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), as a member of a NATO committee. • Initiated the first down-state drug rehabilitation program (Stonehenge) with cooperation of State and Local law-enforcement agencies. • Volunteer at Wildlife Prairie Park. Dr. Otten was a member of: • American Cancer Society • American College of Surgeons • American Board of Surgery • Society of Head and Neck Surgeons • Founding Member and Member of the Board of Directors ... American Trauma Society • American College of Surgeons • Member, Board of Directors…American Red Cross, Regional Blood Bank • Member and President, Board of Directors…American Cancer Society, Illinois Division • Founding Member of the Board of Directors ... Public Broadcasting Station in Central Illinois • Founding Member…International Society of Emergency Medical Services 1942-1946 U.S. Army T/Sgt. - Honorable Discharge. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing with his family and friends. He also loved scuba diving with his sons. He was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Washington and later St. Thomas Catholic Church in Peoria. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or Wildlife Prairie Park. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. September 26th at St. Patrick Catholic Church with Fr. Julius Turyatoranwa officiating. Family will receive friends at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Washington, two hours prior to the Memorial Mass from 9:00-11:00 a.m. Inurnment will be at a later date.

Dr. John W. Otten

November 24, 1923 - September 13, 2015