Margaret G. "Peggy" Ottum

MONONA - A tremendous spark of life came into the world on Dec. 9, 1927, in Chicago Ill. Born to Irene Loretta (Cook) and Charles Lewis Richards, Margaret “Peggy” Richards made her entrance, and oh, what a life she would have. Times were tough through the ensuing Great Depression, but attending South Shore High School provided Peggy some of the best years of her long life. Dubbed the “Good Humor Girl,” she radiated joy to all around her, attracting friends who remained in her life to the very end.

Peggy attended Wilson Junior College and then a rigorous program at Catherine Gibbs Secretarial School, which led to her work at the American Service Bureau in Chicago. Introduced to a man from McFarland on a trip to see a friend in Madison, Peggy fell in love with and married Robert Ottum, on Sept. 4, 1949.

Following several years working for the State of Wisconsin and building their first home in Monona, Peggy embarked on her most important life goals of mother, wife and homemaker. Julie, Warren and Brian were born, along with a busy life filled with volunteer work and family travel.

Peggy and Bob became charter members of Lake Edge Lutheran Church, both serving in leadership and volunteer capacities.  She considered the women of her Rhoda circle to be her true sisters, having met together for over 40 years.  After Bob’s untimely death in 1984, Peggy carried on, bravely managing to navigate the world she was left with as a young widow. In 1987, she married Robert Kaiser, with whom she enjoyed extensive travel to places near and far. She was again widowed in 1997, and assumed an independent life, continuing to live in her beloved lake home until March of this year.

In these past 25 years mom has led a very full life. She got her adored Toby, a spoiled Himalayan cat when she was in her 70s, and despite increasing mobility challenges, she continued to travel. Highlights include a family cruise to see a total eclipse of the sun (and an active volcano!) in 1998, and to Churchill, Manitoba with Brian to see the polar bears and the northern lights in 2006.

Mom thoroughly enjoyed many music and cultural events in and around Madison, especially at the Overture Center. (She got to see “Hamilton!”) and delighted in attending Token Creek Chamber Music Festival Jazz concerts, Chicago Lyric Opera and Madison Savoyards. Mom looked forward to attending Madison Symphony Orchestra concerts, especially the Christmas concerts and Madison Opera productions. (Opera in the Park was never missed!). She was also happy to see Alan Alda live, along with meeting Rick Steves, both objects of her affection.

While the pandemic posed great challenges for everyone, mom was fortunate that with the love and support of son-in-law, David, Julie was able to move in with her and they spent two happy years together, a blessing and privilege for both. Mom loved her family more than anything and some of her final words to each of us were “I love you all.”

Peggy is survived by her daughter, Julie Ottum (David Runstrom); sons, Warren (Laurie) Ottum and Brian (Mona) Ottum; grandchildren, Paul Ottum, Sarah Ottum and Alyssa Ottum; along with cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Ada Lou Henningsen; and in-laws; as well as husbands, Robert Ottum and Robert Kaiser.

A funeral service will be held at LAKE EDGE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 4032 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 15, 2022. Family and friends who wish to view the service via LIVE STREAM may visit Peggy’s obituary page at www.gundersonfh.com and click on the Live Webcast link at the time of service. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday. All family and friends are required to wear a mask.

Profound thanks go to the compassionate staff and volunteers at Agrace HospiceCare, where mom spent her final weeks. They are truly angels.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Agrace HospiceCare or Lake Edge Lutheran Church. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420