Jesse L. Otwell

Jesse Lee Otwell, 91, of Rockford, passed away November 30, 2018 at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center. Born August 15, 1927 in Lincoln Parish, La, the son of John & Lytha (Howard) Otwell. Attended Ruston High School. Served in the U.S. Army as a tank driver during WWII European Theater. Moved to Rockford, IL in 1948. He married Verna Iloe Miller on June 10, 1949. She preceded him in death on November 20, 2014. He started working with the Rockford Police Department in 1958, working 31 years, retiring in 1989, as a Rockford Police Detective. Then working as a bailiff for Winnebago County from 1989 until 2007, retiring at the age of 79. He and Verna had four children Cindy (Val) Diehl, Doug (Nancy) Otwell, Nancy (Bill) Folliard, and Greg (Barb) Otwell; He was known as Bomps to the grandchildren, Josh (Chrissy) Bennett, Chad McLester, Ben (Andrea Swing-Kaiser) Otwell, Adam (Jennifer) Otwell, Jennifer & Dylan Otwell, Garrett & Kaitlyn Folliard, Allie (Alex Sewall) Otwell; great-grandchildren, Ben Jr, Natalie, Noah, Cole and Myla. Bomps enjoyed his special visits with Cole,
Preceded in death by wife, Verna and granddaughter Lindsay Bennett.
Funeral service will be 12 p.m. Friday, December 7, 2018 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, 1860 S. Mulford Rd., Rockford, IL 61108, with the Rev. Randy Young officiating. Visitation from 10 a.m. until time of service. Burial at Sunset Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers memorials to either Rockford Police Relief Association or the Rockford Rescue Mission. Arrangements by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory – Mulford Chapel. Send online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com