Allen J. Ottens, 79, of Rockford, Illinois passed away on Sunday, August 16, 2026. He was born on July 8, 1947, and was the son of John and Doris (Kuehn) Ottens of Chicago. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Amy (Williams) Ottens and his sister, Nany Richter.

Allen was a man of many accomplishments and interests. He was Professor Emeritus of Counselor Edcation and Supervision at Northern Illinois University. He was a past president of the Manuscript Society. He loved baseball and was an avid Cubs fan. He had a lifelong interest in the Civil War and was the author of a highly acclaimed biography of General John A. Rawlins, who served under Ulysses Grant and became his Secretary of War. He loved the Brookfield Zoo since he was a boy and he and Amy have volunteered their time and effort to support the Zoo’s avian conservation program.

Above all, Al was a kind, intelligent man with a fine sense of humor, who was much loved by family, friends, colleagues, and students.

The family was assisted by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory. To share memories and condolences online, please visit, www.fitzgeraldfh.com.