Jayden Otten

With a magnetic smile, a terrific sense of humor, and a drive to make people happy, Jayden Michael Otten lived a life rich in family and friends. Supportive and protective, Jayden was considerate and selfless. He loved his family and friends and did anything he could to make them happy. He was a handsome jokester who was easy to be around and who made every day a gift to treasure. Though his days were far too few, Jayden filled each one with love, generosity, adventure, and laughter. Cherished by many, Jayden will long be remembered and ever so missed.

As Bon Jovi and Cold Play dominated the airwaves, Ice Age: The Meltdown and Superman Returns filled local theaters. Families gathered around the TV to watch Malcolm in the Middle and American Idol or play on their new Nintendo Wii. A time of great hope, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the new year began with special anticipation as Shannon Elzinga and David Micheal Otten welcomed their son Jayden to their lives on January 2, 2007.

From his earliest days, Jayden possessed a rambunctious, energetic personality. While he could be a little naughty and a bit reckless, he was always very sweet. He felt protective of those he loved and always looked for ways to make people happy, especially his sisters, Alesha and Rachel. Jayden liked to ride his bike and was very into Spider-Man. Until he was 9, Jayden lived in Coopersville and attended Coopersville Elementary School. He then moved to White Cloud and attended middle school in Hesperia and White Cloud, where he recently completed the 8t grade.

An active kid, Jayden enjoyed playing sports especially, football, baseball, and Frisbee golf. Whether playing catch or covering second base, Jayden’s competitiveness drove him to excellence. He rode dirt bikes and liked watching his stepdad, Andy, race dirt bikes. The family trampoline proved a great place to do tricks and make videos with friends. Jayden was an adrenaline junkie who thrilled at climbing high things and pushing himself to the limit. When it came to music, Jayden enjoyed a variety of artists, including Juicy World, X, and Kenrick Lamar. He’d often listen to Classic Rock and Country tunes by Luke Combs. Many an hour was spent playing Fortnite, watching Marvel Movies and prank videos on YouTube, and other comedies.

Jayden was close to his family and enjoyed everything from sharing a good meal to exploring the beaches at Hardy Dam and Grand Haven with them. A big eater, any meal that included potatoes was a great meal in Jayden’s opinion, especially mashed potatoes. He liked taking walks on the train tracks with his dad and sister, talking about anything and everything, and spending time with her kids, Noah and Ethan. Jayden didn’t like when his loved ones were down or sad and would do whatever he could to cheer them up. He’d make jokes or act silly until smiles and laughter chased the sadness away. A gift to all who were lucky to know him, in so many ways, Jayden’s heart was larger than life.

Without a doubt, Jayden’s sudden departure leaves us stunned and short of breath. While it is beyond words to imagine life without his good love and laughter, we will find comfort in our many treasured memories of the young man we were privileged to know. As we deeply grieve our loss, may we find courage in carrying his legacy of fully embracing each person and every moment forward. With every kindness we extend to another, joke we share, challenge we meet with confidence, and adventure we make of the day, we keep Jayden’s spirit alive and inspiring others as he so inspired us.

Jayden Michael Otten, age 14, passed away unexpectedly on June 5, 2021. He was preceded in death by his Uncle Roy Reinhard, Great-Grandfather John Doxtater, and great-great-grandparents, Orville and Rose Moore. Jayden is survived by his father, David Otten; mother, Shannon Elzinga; sisters, Alesha and Rachel; and several grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins. The funeral service will be held at 1 PM on Tuesday, June 15, 2021, at Remembrance Church 4575 Remembrance Rd NW. Family will receive visitors from 2-4 and 6-8 PM on Monday at the church and one hour prior to the service on Tuesday. Contributions in his memory may be made to Go Fund Me – Jayden Otten. Please visit www.heritagelifestory.com to read his life story, submit a favorite memory, photo or sign the guestbook.