George E Ott

CROSS PLAINS-George E. Ott, son of George L. and Katherine Ott, left for the great High Adventure in the sky on Feb. 12, 2018. At 78 years of age, he lived a life that most people would envy. Born on June 14, 1939, he graduated from the UW Madison in Electrical Engineering. It was love at first sight with a fellow student at the UW, Constance Kilde, and they were married June 13, 1959. He was a man who passionately gave back to his world in his everyday life. A quiet man who donated decades of time to St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church, the Boy Scouts (Troop 628 and the OA) and Habitat for Humanity. He also served his country in the Army National Guard. His entire career was spent in the High Energy Physics Department at UW-Madison where he inspired and supported dozens of graduate students in their academic research. There is no possible way of tallying the good he did for the world around him. His work ethic was unbelievable, giving much more than he ever took. As a father, a more perfect example could not be found. He would help his children whenever needed. He taught his children so much from dealing with difficult situations to how to fix anything. Patient and understanding, while his kids tried and failed at first, his support was unwavering and constant. He provided his family with what was important – experiences, going new places and trying new things. The world was filled with so much fun stuff to do, he tried to show his children and grandchildren all he could. He did parenting ‘right’ by every definition of the word. His legacy of kindness and teaching will never truly end. While preceded in death by his parents and brother Karl and sister Mary Kay, his continuing legacy of love includes his wife of 58 years, his children, Robin Ertl (John), George K (Julie), Michael (Stacey), and Mark (Mistique) and by his eleven grandchildren, Michael, Natalie, Sven, George S., Alex, Spencer, Stephanie, Salacia, Justin, Maya and Amanda. Visitation will be Saturday, February 24, 2018 at ST. DUNSTAN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 6205 University Ave., Madison from 12-2p.m.,   with a Service in Celebration of his Life at 2 p.m.  A Reception will follow the service. Memorials can be made to Madison Community Foundation – George and Constance Ott fund for St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church Outreach, 111 N. Fairchild, Madison, WI 53703, or Habitat for Humanity , 1014 Fiedler Lane #29, Madison, WI 53713, or Middleton Public Library Friends, 7425 Hubbard Ave. Middleton, WI 53562. “If I don’t see ya in the future, I’ll see ya in the pasture” – George E. Ott 1939-2018   Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.