John "Scott" Otteman

John Scott Otteman, age 78, of Dodgeville, WI, passed away on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, from heart disease. Scott was born in Dodgeville on August 1, 1947, to Vincent John and Jeanette Elizabeth (Caygill) Otteman. For his first eighteen years, he resided in the Kiel, WI area, situated near the junction of Calumet, Manitowoc, and Sheboygan counties. He attended Kiel High School, lettering in all sports, and graduated in 1965.
After graduation, Scott, his parents and two brothers moved to Orange, CA. He joined the U.S. Army and was in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969, suffering from malaria twice and tetanus with lockjaw as well as other injuries. He returned to Cal State Fullerton, completed a bachelor's degree and started a master's degree. For several years, he worked various jobs for the government and private industry in supervisory and management roles. Then it was many years of owning several bowling alleys, bars, and fancy pool halls in Orange and San Diego counties.
In 1994, Scott moved back to Wisconsin to help his mother until her death in March 2002. Over the next several years, he spent his time between Oshkosh and Dodgeville, helping friends and family with various projects and had some success in the stock market. He bought some crop land and raised soybeans and corn for several years. Farming became his passion, but when that became too physically demanding last year, he sold the property.
Scott loved driving his truck and moving around. He spent hours playing cards with friends at the senior center as well as joining various groups for cards in the evenings. Going to Brewers games, enjoying a good steak dinner, giving time and monies to others, and being entertained by his two cats were favorite pastimes.
Scott was preceded in death by his parents and brother Vincent Randolph "Randy" Otteman. Survivors include his sister Ramona, brother Alonzo, son Brett, a daughter, four grandchildren: Alyssa, Brett Samuel, Madison and Grace, one great-grandchild, and other family and friends.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at Peace Lutheran Church, 101 N. Wilson St, Cobb, WI. Burial will follow in the Linden Cemetery in Linden, WI with Pastor Steven Schneider officiating. Friends may arrive at the church beginning at 10:30 am to find seating for the service. The Lulloff-Peterson-Houck Funeral Home, Dodgeville, is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at www.houckfuneralhomes.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your favorite charity.
Lulloff-Peterson-Houck Funeral Home
Dodgeville 608-935-3628
www.houckfuneralhomes.com