Jackie Lee Ottum, 59 of Eau Claire passed away on Wednesday, January 11, 2017 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Chippewa Falls.
Jackie, the daughter of Janice and Arthur Aldrich was born December 19, 1957 in Waukesha, Wisconsin. She was raised in Osseo and Eau Claire. She worked at Scott’s Bar, Electrolux, Circle C, Luther Hospital, and as a dispatcher for the Eau Claire Police Department, her favorite job however was raising her two children. She was an avid reader, enjoyed country music, and was an outstanding artist. She took pride in her work with the First Church of the Nazarene. She was someone that everyone adored for her personality and her witty sense of humor. She always felt the need to help others even if it meant going above and beyond. Jackie met Lester Ottum when they became childhood neighbors. They reconnected as friends again in their thirties and a relationship began a few years later. After 22 years together, Jackie married the love of her life, Lester, on May 4, 2013.
Jackie is survived by her husband, Lester Ottum; Sons, Justin Douglas and Jaycee (Bonnie) Holte; daughter, Kaitlyn Ottum; grandchildren, Deziree, Alexis, and Brady Holte; Siblings, Barbara Douglas, Gordon Douglas, Linda (Rick) Albert, Bill Douglas, Stacey (Jerry) Nielsen, and Karla Aldrich; Lester’s siblings, Marshall Ottum, Paulette (Al) Goettle, Michael (Jennifer) Ottum, David Ottum, and Ron (Diane) Ottum; and aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.
Jackie was preceded in death by her parents, Janice and Arthur Aldrich; sister, Lori Douglas; brother-in-law, Jerome Ottinger; sister-in-law, Sandy Polus; sister and brother-in-law, Susan and Al Caturia; niece, Lori Douglas; nephew, Al Caturia Jr; father and mother-in-law, Eleanor and Harold Ottum; and her dog, Sassy.
The family would like to give a special thank you to Mayo Dialysis, St. Joseph’s Dialysis, Wissota Vent Center, and Dr. William Maierhofer for their outstanding service in assisting with Jackie’s care.
A celebration of life will take place on Saturday, January 28, 2017 at 2:00 pm at the First Church of the Nazarene with Pastor John Dannels officiating. Visitation will be an hour prior to the services at the church on Saturday.
Jackie was always up beat and full of wisdom. She means the world to a lot of people and will be greatly missed.
Jackie, you will be forever missed. As your neighbor and friend for over 15 years, I will never forget your willingness to always help with anything and your sense of humor was one of a kind. I have missed our game nights and I will miss visiting you every time I cone back to Eau Claire. Eau Claire is definitely more lonely without you and knowing that I won’t see you when I come back is heartbreaking. May you Rest In Peace. Much love to you and your family in this difficult time. Sending my thoughts to everyone involved.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Lester. Love the Duane and Irene Ottum Kids: Ralph (Peggy) Ottum, Rick Ottum, Rita (Michael) Ida, Randy Ottum, Regina Schutte, Roxanne (Jim) Kahan.