Robert E. Hotten worked for Illinois Bell Telephone Co. from high school graduation until retirement 41 years later, installing equipment, then doing film and audio work. A resident of Elk Grove Village for 43 years, Mr. Hotten, 74, died after a long illness Sunday, March 28, in Alexian Brothers Medical Center, Elk Grove Village. Born in Albany, N.Y., Mr. Hotten grew up in Peoria and Chicago, graduating from Schurz High School in 1948. When he retired from Illinois Bell in 1989, he was working in the public relations department. He spotted his wife, Beverly, at the home of a friend and told the friend that the woman “was the one he was going to marry,” his wife said. The couple, set up by the friend’s sister three years later, got married in 1955. Mr. Hotten was drafted into the Army that year and served at Ft. Bragg, N.C., for two years. The couple returned to Chicago, lived in Des Plaines for three years and then moved to Elk Grove Village. Active in the Elk Grove Jaycees, Lions Club and Park Ridge Masonic Lodge, Mr. Hotten “enjoyed giving back to the community,” his wife said. Mr. Hotten is also survived by three sons, Robert, Richard and Ronald; a sister, Charlene Himmel; and four grandchildren. Visitation will be from 3 to 9 p.m. Tuesday in Grove Memorial Chapel, 1199 S. Arlington Heights Rd., Elk Grove Village. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday in the funeral home.
