Harold Otterback

MADISON-Harold Hal Otterback, age 83, passed away on Monday, May 10, 2010, at home after a long illness. He was born on Aug. 11, 1926, in Evanston, Ill., the son of Harold and Ellen Otterback. Hal graduated from high school in Menominee, Mich. in 1944, and from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1950, earning a bachelors of science degree. He played football for UW-Madison in the 1946 through the 1949 seasons, and also played in the 1950 Senior Bowl. Hal married Evelyn Pearson on June 24, 1950. Hal served in the U.S. Navy from 1944 until 1946, and again in 1951 until 1952, during the Korean War. Hal belonged to the EAA since 1965. Hal was a docent at the Experimental Aircraft Association Museum in Oshkosh, from 1989 to 2003, and a chairman of the Handicapped Transportation Committee at the EAA convention for nine years. He was a Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader for nine years. Hal was a member of the Madison Central Lions Club since 1969; he was president in 1977, and received the Birch-Sturm and Melvin Jones Fellow awards. Hal served as bulletin editor for 16 years and as chairman of the Eye Glass Recycling Committee. He was a partner with the Midwest Insurance Agency from 1956 until his retirement in 1989. Hal was a longtime member of Lake Edge United Church of Christ. He enjoyed traveling, making model airplanes, and loved playing golf. Hal is survived by his wife, Evelyn; son, David; grandson, Nicholas (Dana) Otterback; granddaughter, Meda (Mike) Szlapka; sister-in-law, Sue (Pearson) Hill; nieces, nephews and two great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, James; parents; and sister, Irene Bresnahan. A visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday, May 14, 2010. A private family service will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park. A special thank you to Dr. Jim Shropshire; nurses, Annette Plante and Sue Eugster; and Kendra, Cathy, Tammy, Ann and Heidi. Visitation: A visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday, May 14, 2010. Service: A private family service will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park.