Richard Carl Ottoson

Ronald "Coach" Ottoson, age 89, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2026.

Born in 1936 in Chicago, IL to the late Karl Ottoson and the late Anna (nee Nielson).

Beloved husband of Kay (nee Lurtz) Ottoson; loving father of Eric (Megan Welch), Christine (John) Mahoney.

Cherished grandfather of Molly, Josie, Ty and Audrey.

Dearest brother of the late Carol Sheldon and brother-in-law of Bill (Susie) Lurtz.

Fond uncle of Ron (Nancy) Sheldon, Tom Sheldon and Karen (Bob) Effner.

The family raised their kids in Elmhurst attending Sandburg and York High School. Ron and Kay were active in the community – Ron served on the park board for six years, and both were scout leaders and PTA presidents.

Ron became a teacher and coach after graduating from Northern Illinois University with a Master's Degree in physical education in 1958. He started coaching and teaching at Schurz High School (his Alma Mater). He then went to Austin High School and Oak Park and River Forest High School before taking the position of head track coach at the College of DuPage. He stayed and built a very successful program, winning multiple state and national titles. In addition to being named "Coach of the Year," numerous times, they named the track after him when he retired - "Ron Ottoson Track Complex," in April of 2010.

Ron was a great mentor to his students, always a listening ear. Ron and Kay purchased a lake home in Eagle River, Wisconsin on South Twin Lake in 1970 and have spent many memorable summers raising their children and grandchildren there. Many birthdays, anniversaries, and reunions were celebrated there, and the cottage will continue to stay in the family.

Kay bought him many "Life is good," shirts because he used to say that all the time and lived a very happy life-he will be deeply missed.

A visitation will be held at Ahlgrim Funeral Home, 567 S. Spring Rd., Elmhurst, IL 60126 on Friday, March 20, 2026 from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm. A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, March 23, 2026, at St. Peters United Church of Christ, 125 W. Church St., Elmhurst, IL 60126 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Peters United Church of Christ, 125 W. Church St., Elmhurst, IL 60126, https://www.stpeterselmhurst.org/.

For information (630) 834-3515 or www.ahlgrim.com.