Craig Bryan "Sparky" Van Otten

Craig passed away suddenly on November 13, 2025, in Salt Lake City, Utah, surrounded by his loving family.

Craig was born on March 25, 1950 in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Robert Warnell Van Otten and Betty Lee Walker.

He graduated from Olympus High School in Murray, Utah, and attended the University of Utah for a short time. He joined the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam war. During his 4 years of service he completed his education and became an Electrician. In 1971 he met his wife Kristine Patrick and married her in 1972. He continued his electrical education at Salt Lake Community College and graduated with his Journeymans' license. He started his career working for CPC and Green's Electrical then ventured on his own, opening Progressive Control Solutions, and later on, Control Solutions. His business specialized in building industrial controls and drives. Craig's work was in a class of its own. His was a master in his industry and his work exemplified his knowledge and precision to detail. Craig semi-retired working part time at Control Solutions and joined his brothers at Precision Tech Welding fostering an even stronger brotherly bond, filled with humorous stories and anadotes. Craig was a man steeped in loyalty, and honesty. His strength was bolstered in love. Family always came first not only as a husband and father but as a son, brother and friend. He modeled this for all who know him. "Beam me up Scotty"

He is survived by his wife Kristine; his daughters; Angela (Dewain) Tolman; Anaka (Cesar) Vega; Alexis (Nikki) Van Otten; Brothers; Ron (Melinda), Tom (Lorraine); Terry; Scott (Donna); Kelly (Jen); Jed (Cathi); Robert (Chastity); Brad; Sisters; Marcee (Tony); Annette.

Grandchildren; Elliana, Juliah, Alivia, and Kira Tolman, Fernando and Benjamin Vega; Cash. beloved dog Zaq.

Preceded in death by his parents; Robert Warnell Van Otten; Betty Lee Walker; Sisters; Cynthia Van Otten; Cathy Luker;

A viewing will be held on Thursday, Nov 20, 2025 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Larkin Sunset Gardens Mortuary (1950 E. Dimple Dell Rd (10600 E), Sandy, Utah). Funeral services will be held at the same location on Friday, November 21, 2025 at 11:00 AM with a viewing one hour prior. The interment will immediately follow the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Humane Society of Utah 4252 S. 300 W., SLC, Utah 84107.

To watch a recording of Craig's service, please click on the blue tab above that says "Watch Services".