Joel D. Ott, age 76, of Brillion, passed away peacefully on Monday night, January 12, 2026.
Joel was born on April 11, 1949 in Green Bay, son of the late Donald & Lucille (Zick) Ott. He was a graduate of Brillion High School, class of 1967. He went on to further his education at Fox Valley Technical College with a degree in Welding. Joel was in the United States Army from 1969 – 1971 and fought in the Vietnam War. Upon his return, he married his fiancee Betty Goldschmidt on May 13, 1972 at Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church in Brillion. He returned to work at the Brillion Iron Works where he remained a dedicated worker for almost 50 years. He would also work at Reinke’s Service Station from time to time. Joel & Betty enjoyed going to their cottage on Berry Lake, attending all of the grandchildren's events, and spending time together with their family. Joel was an avid Packers and Brewers fan and loved to go fishing, hunting, and snowmobiling with his family. He had a very witty sense of humor, was very humble, and he never complained. He just got it done. In July of 2022, Joel was accompanied by his son Nathan on an Old Glory Honor Flight to Washington DC, and it was a trip he truly treasured.
Joel is survived by his wife of 53 years, Betty; their four sons and daughters-in-law: Nathan (Kristie) Ott, Chris (Lisa) Ott, Aaron (Brittany) Ott, Andrew (Melissa) Ott; grandchildren: Emily and Evan Ott, Owen and Natalie Ott, Kennadie and Audrina Ott, and Camilla, Kendall, and William Ott; his siblings and in-laws: twin sister: Julie (Jerome) Bastian, Scott (Annie) Ott, Kristi Cournoyer, Kaye (William) Wynen, Mary (Tom) Brouillard, Nancy Ott, Judy (Jim) Eichhorst, and Jill Ott; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings: David Ott, Norman Ott; his father-in-law and mother-in-law: Eldore & Alice (Mack) Goldschmidt; brothers-in-law: Larry Ott, Larry Nies, and Kent Cournoyer; and other relatives.
Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. this Friday, January 16, 2026 at Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church in Brillion. Officiating will be Rev. Ross Henzi. Military Rites will be accorded by the American Legion Post 126 of Brillion. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
The family will greet relatives and friends at the church on Friday morning from 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m.
Online condolences may be made www.pielhop.com
Pielhop Funeral Homes of Brillion and Reedsville are assisting the family with arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
215 South Main Street, Brillion, WI 54110

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