Eugene "Oots" Altena

Sioux Center, IA

Eugene "Oots" Altena Live Stream

     Eugene “Oots” Altena age 79 of Sioux Center, Iowa died Monday, December 28, 2020 at Royale Meadows Care Center in Sioux Center.

     A private family funeral service will take place at 10:30 AM, Thursday, December 31, 2020 at Memorial Funeral Home in Sioux Center with Reverend Randy Widbin officiating.  Burial will follow in the Memory Gardens Cemetery in Sioux Center.  A livestream link will be available here prior to the service.

     Public visitation will be one hour prior to the service (9:30 AM to 10:30 AM) with family present at the Memorial Funeral Home of Sioux Center. 

     Social distancing guidelines will be followed.

     The Midwest Honor Flight blessed Oots beyond measure and he wants to pass it forward.  His wish is that all memorials be directed to the Midwest Honor Flight.

     Eugene “Oots” Altena was born July 20, 1941, the son of Elmer and Sena (Van Donkelaar) Altena in Sioux Center, Iowa.  He grew up in Sioux Center and attended school until the 8^th grade.  Eugene was drafted into the United States Army in 1963.  He attended basic training at Fort Leonardwood in Missouri.  Oots served as a Corporal, training service men for Vietnam.  During his service he earned the Good Conduct Medal and the Expert Pistol Badge.  He was honorably discharged in 1965. After the service, he worked at the Sioux Center Creamery.  He then went to Merit Motors as a mechanic/serviceman.  He then co-owned Doc’s Café for 20 years (home of the maid-rites).  After Doc’s, he worked at Joe’s Ready Mix until he retired.  During his retirement, he served at the 2^nd Chance Depot.   

     Oots gave his life to Christ in 1992 after attending the New Life Treatment Center.  He attended Cursillo and worked many YATECs.  He mentored and served many people over the years.  He loved people for who they are and met them where they were at.  He attended Christ Community Church.  He referred to them as a loving and supportive church, pastor, and family.  He was a lifelong Minnesota Twins fan.  He will always be remembered for his humor and infectious laugh.

     Those left to cherish his memory are his son, Robert Altena of Columbia, MO; grandson Austin and great grandson Asher Altena of Knoxville, TN; granddaughters, Hayden and Samantha Altena of Sedalia, MO; siblings, Arvin (Paula) Altena, Ken (Linda) Altena, Betty (Jim) Vos, Melinda (Daryl) Vanden Brink all of Sioux Center, IA; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

     He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Sena; and sister and brother-in-law, Elma and Junior Mulder.

                                                                                          Blessed Be His Memory.