Howard J. Ott

Howard J. Ott, age 67 of Baldwin WI, died on Tuesday, November 17, 2015. Howard was born December 10, 1947 in Freeport TX to parents Howard and Severine (nee Amdahl) Ott. In the second grade, Howard moved to Mondovi upon his fathers tragic death. He would graduate from Eau Claire Memorial High School. Howard enjoyed his first job at McDonald’s, and worked hard helping to support his younger brother and his crippled mother while working towards his goals of going in to teaching. He earned his Bachelors degree from UW Eau Claire, where he majored in History. He also enlisted in the United States Army, and served 15 years in the Reserves. Howard would also meet the love of his life, Margaret Whitlark, in a history class at UW Eau Claire. The two would be united in marriage on July 1, 1972 in Amery WI, and their union would be blessed with a son, Erich.
Howard later went on to earn his Masters degree and his Specialist’s degree from UW Superior. Howard worked as a teacher and principal for New Auburn WI School District, and the Arkansaw WI School District. Howard was later hired as a principal, and went on to serve as the Superintendent for the Baldwin-Woodville School District. Howard’s dedication to education and community was instrumental in creating the Baldwin-Woodville schools we know today. Howard also served as a municipal judge for the Village of Baldwin for 20 years. His other interests include stamps, coins, sports, fishing, hunting, reading, nature, traveling, playing cards, and time spent with family and friends, especially his granddaughter Addison, who loved PaPa to read to her on his lap.
Howard is survived by his loving wife, Margee; son, Erich Ott; granddaughter, Addison Lee Ott; sister, Dorothy Hermes; favorite brother, Mel (Gina) Ott; in-laws, Valerie (Larry) Christianson, and Fred (Sue) Whitlark; as well as many nieces, nephews, and good friends. Howard was preceded in death by his parents; and brother-in-law, Al Hermes.
Funeral Services for Howard Ott was held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 21, 2015 at Gethsemane Lutheran Church, 1350 Florence Street in Baldwin. Burial took place at the Amery Cemetery in Amery, WI. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the discretion of the family. Services have been entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Baldwin, WI. 715-684-3434 www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com