Edward Howard Otten

Edward Howard Otten

Edward Howard Otten, aged 82, of Linwood, NJ, passed away on December 28, 2025, in the Atlantic City Medical Center Trauma Unit from injuries sustained in an accident while walking his dog, Ollie. Born September 01, 1943, in Biloxi, MS, Ed was the first child of Walter and Inas Otten. Soon after his birth and his father's retirement from the military, "Bub" and his parents returned to New Jersey to settle first in River Dale, then Washington Township. He graduated in 1961 from Westwood High School, after which he enrolled in the United States Coast Guard and became a Sonar Operator second class. After leaving the service, Ed became a surveyor and worked on the Interstate 80 project, among others. But soon he chose the career he would love and excel at for nearly 60 years, real estate. He started in North Jersey and then moved his family to South Jersey, where he was active with the Atlantic County Board of Realtors, serving as chairperson of the grievance committee as well as long-time director. Ed gained many lifelong friends through his career, including clients, co-workers, and people he engaged with in all situations. A consummate professional with a loving heart, he went above and beyond for all, making acquaintances into true friends. Ed had many interests, including travel, reading, good home cooking, being outdoors, and animal rescue. When Christopher was in the Cub Scouts, Dad became Cubmaster of Pack 94 and oversaw many camping trips. He could fix anything and everything and did so for his entire life meticulously, saving money in the process. His passion was for the water. It started while working summers with his parents at the Happy Landing Marina, starting with motor boats and water skiing. In the 1970's, he evolved into a sailor, starting with a 14-foot sailboat. He then purchased the "Vitamin Sea," which provided years of jaunts with family and friends. Lastly, Captain Ed traded up to the "Halcyon" and continued the tradition. He was also licensed to be a captain for hire, combining his two favorite things, sailing and getting paid for it. Dad taught us many life skills – the correct way to fix things, how to handle money, how to take our time to do something, and "do it right." He taught us to be self-reliant, and although some of our choices over the years had him rolling his eyes, he was always there for us, supportive and loving with a strong dose of advice. Even as adults, he was still teaching us and encouraging us with that famous Otten sense of humor. We couldn't have chosen a better Dad. He is survived by his two children, Christopher Otten and Tracey Otten Baldwin; his companion, Joan Rosenfeld; his brothers, Ted (Erin) and Phil (Alys); his granddaughter, Olivia Baldwin; stepchildren, Dawn Queeney, Alex Corkhill and Justin Heath; and "second daughter," Laura Rees Cohen (Dan); as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family. Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Inas Otten, and brother, Paul. Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be in Edward's name to The Funny Farm Rescue & Sanctuary, 6908 Railroad Boulevard, Mays Landing, NJ 08330, or online at https://funnyfarmrescue.org/honor-a-loved-one/.

A visitation will be held at the George H. Wimberg Funeral Home, 1707 New Road, Linwood, NJ, on Saturday, January 24, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., followed by a 12 p.m. memorial service. Condolences may be extended to the family at ghwimberg.com.

George H. Wimberg Funeral Home

Linwood - Ventnor