Miles Otten

Miles Otten passed away peacefully on December 18, 2023. Miles was born to parents Josh and Ann Otten on August 25, 2023, at 4 lbs., 3 oz. He was small but mighty from the very beginning. The odds of him making it earth side seemed daunting, but he was monitored weekly and made quite the entrance. Upon arrival, he was born with Down Syndrome and only one heart ventricle. His parents knew he would need a large heart surgery down the road, but no one knew that he had an aggressive vein disease as well. He was in the Mercy NICU for six weeks trying to grow big enough to go home. He was transported by plane over to Omaha, where he had his first open heart surgery. He was known to all of his nurses, doctors, and family, as a sweet, handsome little boy. They treated him with such good care in the hospital. Many times, his parents were told, “he is our favorite” and didn’t quite understand until nurses would fight over him to try and be his caretaker. One night, the nurses passed him around to get their last snuggles with him before he had to head home. After three weeks in Omaha he got to head home for two weeks and was smothered with hugs and kisses from his siblings, friends and family. He soon had to go back to Omaha for another heart procedure after finding more vein issues. Doctors didn’t realize how bad the veins were until after the procedure, when they found two of his four pulmonary veins were completely blocked.

Miles came home on hospice care for two weeks and made so many loving memories including meeting Santa, making ornaments, and getting baptized as a family. His family got to witness his biggest smiles and hear his loving coos. He loved being held and loved his pacifier. His favorite person to hold him was his sister Grace, who would play his favorite musical toy over and over AND OVER again and who asked at all times of the day if she could have a turn holding him. She loved to help change him and hold him while reading books before bed each night. Levi also adored his brother and gave kisses on the head while saying, “we love you sooo much Miles.”

“As Miles left this Earth, I like to picture him meeting Jesus face to face and getting the biggest hug. I imagine the feeling of His love and compassion for our little guy and knowing he is home. Miles is free from doctor visits, surgeries and a broken heart. Soon after, he gets a big hug from his Great Aunt Lisa and gets to experience how happy she is to see him. Then Lisa makes him watch Golden Girls, which would be amazing.” - Josh (Dad)

Miles is survived by his loving parents, Josh and Ann, his sister, Grace, and his brother, Levi.

Visitation will be from 4:00 to 6:00 pm on Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines, Iowa. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday, December 28, 2023 at Lutheran Church of Hope, 925 Jordan Creek Parkway, West Des Moines, Iowa.

Memorials may be directed to Can Play, an organization that supports activities and sports for kids with special needs. Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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