Edgar "Ed" J. Ott

Edgar “Ed” J. Ott, age 95, of Ripon, WI passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 27, 2025 at Hospice Home of Hope, Fond du Lac, WI, with his family by his side.

Ed was born on the farm in Neillsville, WI on November 2, 1929, son of Albert and Marie (Keller) Ott. He attended grade school at St. John’s Lutheran School, and graduated from Neillsville High School with a diploma dated in 1948, after basic training in Fort Know, KY. Ed enlisted in the U.S. Army on November 8, 1948, and was honorably discharged on November 7, 1954 as a Sergeant First Class. From 1948-49 he was stationed in Fort Knox in the Field Artillery Battalion, and from 1949 until 1954 Ed was an Instructor for the Army Reserve Center in Wausau, WI. Also during his time in service he spent over 3 years in Germany and received the National Defense Service Medal; was awarded a Good Conduct Medal 2 times; and received the United Nations Service Medal.

On February 14, 1956, Ed married Betty M. Oldham and enjoyed 69 years together. He held many jobs over the years, including setting pins at the Neillsville Bowling Alley; operating a newspaper Linotype machine; a Movie Projector Operator; owner of Roadside Bar and Café; and worked at American Motors in Kenosha, WI. He later was hired into Federal Civil Service as a supply clerk at Ft. Sheridan, IL airfield. In 1969 he transferred to Ripon College as a clerk for the Officer’s Training Corps, and on March 1, 1990 was formerly retired from civil service after 23 years and 7 years of active service. Ed was very active with Brown Parfitt Post #43 American Legion in Ripon, where he held offices of Vice Commander, Commander (for 3 years), Adjutant, Fond du Lac County Commander and 6th District Vice Commander. He was also manager of the American Legion baseball team for 20 years and won many championships, including back to back State Tournaments. Ed was also a devoted member of Grace Lutheran Church in Ripon.

Ed is survived by his wife, Betty Ott; children, Marietta (Ron) Raatz, Cindy Smith (Stan), Diana (Jerry) Ader, Gerald Ott, Alan Ott, Valerie Ryerson, Kevin Ott, and Brenda Bvocik (Joe); 17 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Marie Ott, infant twin sons, John and Joseph; son-in-law, Dave Ryerson; daughter-in-law, Debbie Ott; two brothers; and five sisters.

Visitation for Ed will take place on Monday, September 8, 2025 from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm at Grace Lutheran Church, 430 W Griswold St, Ripon, WI 54971.

Funeral service for Ed will take place at 12:00 pm on Monday, September 8, 2025 at Grace Lutheran Church in Ripon, with Rev. Clay R. Salmela officiating. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Ripon, with a final salute and full military honors at the cemetery. A memorial is being established in his name.