Arlene Ottinger

1942 - 2025

Arlene F. Ottinger (née Krall), 83, of Altoona, passed away peacefully in her sleep on October 20th, 2025, after a lengthy battle with cancer and heart failure. Arlene was born on June 15th, 1942, to John E. Krall and Frieda B. Krall (née Steinbach). She graduated from Gilman High School in 1960 and moved to Eau Claire shortly after. She worked for many years as secretary at Eau Claire Sand and Gravel and National Cash Register, both in Eau Claire.

In 1969, Arlene married William Ottinger in Eau Claire, and the couple soon settled in Altoona. They spent their free time polka dancing and socializing, taking drives together, and raising their children.

Arlene volunteered with many organizations in Altoona through the years, including St. Mary's Elementary School, Altoona Little League, Altoona Hockey Association, Boy Scout Troop 90, as well as regularly participating in the Mission Workshop at St. Mary's Catholic Church.

She loved working in her garden, tending to her many plants indoors and out, and nurturing every seed she came across to see if she might make it grow. She also enjoyed working with her hands, sewing clothes, crafts, and quilts, and crocheting everything from afghans and doilies to socks and bins full of mismatched mittens for her grandchildren. She was a loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to many.

Arlene is survived by her children, Scott Ottinger (Krista Ottinger) of Colfax and Jane Vanden Bush (Tony Vanden Bush) of Iowa City, IA, as well as eight grandchildren – Courtney Hernandez (Alex Hernandez), Brianna Ottinger, Rachel Ottinger, Andrea Ottinger, Emily Ottinger, William Ottinger, Sarah Ottinger, and Bryce Vanden Bush – five great-grandchildren, her sister Corinne Haas (Vernon Haas), and her sister-in-law Lois Krall (late Jerry Krall).

She is also survived by her four step-children, Gregg Ottinger (Rae Ottinger), Tony Ottinger, Jacci Kolstad, and Shelly Rossano, as well as many more step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her husband, William Ottinger, her brother Jerome "Jerry" Krall, and her parents, John and Frieda Krall.

The family would like to thank the staff and volunteers at Meals on Wheels of Eau Claire County, St. Croix Hospice (of Eau Claire and Menomonie), and Colfax Senior Living for their loving care.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at Stokes, Prock & Mundt Funeral Chapel, 535 S. Hillcrest Parkway, Altoona. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until time of service. Burial will take place at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Eau Claire.

Stokes, Prock & Mundt Funeral Chapel, Altoona is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.stokesprockandmundt.com.