Candyce (Wallen) Otteson

Candyce L. (Wallen) Otteson, age 59, formerly of Clark, passed away at her home in Sturgis, SD on Tuesday, October 10, 2017 . A memorial service will be held at 1 pm on Sunday, October 15, 2017 at the Furness Funeral Home Chapel of Clark, SD with Pastor Mark Tracy officiating. Interment will follow at Clark Center Lutheran Cemetery.

She was born to the late Kenneth and Leora Wallen on September 2, 1958 in Clark, SD.  Candy attended the Clark School District graduating in 1976, before attending South Dakota State University, receiving a double Bachelor's in Extension and Geography with an Associates in Agriculture.  Candy united in marriage to Jim Otteson on August 20, 1983.

Candy enjoyed many activities and hobbies through the years.  She loved reading mysteries, was skilled in pencil and charcoal drawing, and enjoyed horticulture, arts and crafts and trail riding. She was an avid Jackrabbit fan, especially Women's Basketball.

Family and friends were Candy's joy and delight although her children were her passion. She filled their lives with activities like sports, 4-H horse and sheep projects and swimming. She was always encouraging them to try something once and twice if they complained about it.  She instilled kindness, love, working hard and having a good attitude in her children.

In 1995, Candy was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and regardless of the condition, Candy lived her life to the absolute fullest.  She never once complained about any of her limitations, always had a smile on her face and the same positive attitude she passed to everyone she knew.

Candy was preceded in death by her parents and a very special service dog of 12 years, Nash.

She is survived by her ex-husband and best friend Jim; daughters Kaley (Jeff) Bolish of White, S.D. and Jori (Jeremy) Kriese of Brookings, S.D.; son Matt (Melissa) Otteson of Brookings, S.D.; 11 grandchildren: Taylor, Sydney, Brianna, Kristina, Carlie, Carson, Aaron, Jace (Jeff and Kaley), Ashton and Branch (Matt and Melissa), and Avery, who is due any day soon, (Jori and Jeremy).

Funeral arrangements are pending with the Furness Funeral Home at Clark where there is an on-line registry at www.furnessfuneralhome.com