Carol Jean Den Otter, age 87, passed away peacefully July 2, 2020 at her home. She was born October 2, 1932 in Libertyville, Illinois to Stanley and Elizabeth McCloskey. She met her future husband at a square dance. She married Clark Martin Den Otter on October 23, 1955 and shared a loving marriage of over 64 years.

Carol loved to crochet, knit, cross stitch and quilt. Her hands were rarely still as she watched television. Many in her family are the proud recipients of afghans she lovingly made. She also shared her love with food such as her fabulous potato salad, harvest loaf, rhubarb cake and banana bread.

Raised early on by a single mother, Carol did not have an easy childhood. She often would tell her children how she would watch her newborn baby sister in a basement apartment in downtown Chicago at the age of 12. Her mother worked nights. Carol said her cousin Sonny and his two friends would often keep her company in the evenings and amuse her with their antics. When her mother came home after working, she would give Carol the winter coat they shared for her to wear to school. Carol ate so much macaroni and cheese as a child that she was never able to eat it as an adult.

She loved her children. Birthdays were always a big deal and both her children were privileged to pick out a Betty Crocker animal birthday cake which she lovingly made for the party. She supported her children through countless band and orchestra concerts, Sunday school programs, confirmations, and graduations.

First and foremost, Carol had a deep and abiding faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Baptized in the Presbyterian church, she always found a way to get to church on Sunday mornings with her children beside her. She was a member of Atonement Lutheran Church in Rapid City since 1962. She served on the altar guild, attended circle, and was a proud "flipper" for the annual lefse-making in the Fall.

She is survived by her husband Clark Den Otter. She is also survived by her daughter Lee Ann Den Otter (Black Hawk) and son Scott (Koleen) Den Otter (Rapid City). She is also the grandmother of four boys that she was very proud of Ary (D.J.) Den Otter, Steven (Amie) Den Otter, Garett Den Otter and Austin (Kate) Wiehl. She adored her great-grandchildren-Elsie, Ruby, Hattie and August Den Otter.

Please join us in celebrating her life Wednesday morning July 8, 2020 at 10:00 at Atonement Lutheran Church in Rapid City with Pastor Sonja Pilman officiating.