Lois M Ottmann

Lois was born in Milwaukee County on April 12, 1932, to Effie (Lower) and Al Ottmann. She grew up in the South Milwaukee areas of Franksville and St Martins with her parents and 2 siblings, Joyce and Ron. Throughout her childhood, the family moved and lived in many areas of Wisconsin, from Racine to Rhinelander. She loved spending summers with her family up north in Crandon and at their cabin on Lake Lucerne, where she would waterski and enjoy just being in the woods. Although she left Wisconsin, she never forgot the wonderful memories and beautiful nature.

Throughout the years, Lois was blessed with 6 amazing children-- Pam, Pati, Bob, Kathy, David, and Sarah (nee Michelle).

She had many different careers in many different cities throughout her life, including waitress, bartender, sales for Tupperware where she earned herself a car, sales for Mary Kay, floral designer, Head Start daycare teacher, and nanny to multiple families. But none was more notable than that of Mom. She was always willing to work to get what was needed done, and approached every job, big or small, with hard work and passion.

After retiring in 1999, she moved to the Harlingen/Brownsville area and never wanted to live anywhere else again. She loved going fishing at South Padre Island, packing up her van and staying a few days out on the water alone, or occasionally bringing one of her dogs along. She also loved helping, serving, and caring for many children, especially ones in the neighborhood of her apartment complex.

She had many hobbies she loved. Cooking and baking, but it was the sharing of those creations that was her real passion. Sewing and doing whatever crafts she could come up with. Avidly reading the newspapers and keeping up with current events. Thrift shopping "like no other", finding unique items, with her favorite being anything with animal prints, to decorate her home or to wear proudly.

Above all was her bold personality, extremely witty sense of humor, and amazing level of understanding. It didn't matter what age you were, she would enjoy giving advice or a life lesson, and usually delivering it with a memorable quip. Many were so memorable that they will be told repeatedly for years to come.

She is survived by: Children Patricia Carruthers of Tennessee, Robert Rognsvoog of Wisconsin, Kathleen Bradley (Jack) of Florida, David Rognsvoog (Lynn) of Tennessee, and Sarah Sturdevant (John Welch) of Wisconsin. Foster sister Terry Allison. Son-in-law Kim Lovejoy of Wisconsin. 11 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, and 1 great great grandchild. Two very loving and devoted dog companions, Gussie & Charlie, who we all know will miss their dog mom very much. Her best friend for over 17 years, Esperanza "Hope" Sanchez. Very special friends that she considered family Elsy, Ashley, Gloria, Amy, Kyoko, Pily, and Giovanni. As well as many other friends, neighbors, and acquaintances whose lives she's touched over the years.

She is preceded in death by her daughter Pamela Lovejoy, grandson Gregory Bradley, parents Effie and Aloysius Ottmann, sister Joyce Tabbert, brother Ronald Ottmann, and her dog Sadie.

We would like to send a very special Thank You to the staff of Elara Hospice and especially her nurse Soraida, the Sun Valley Rehab Center, and the Sundance Apartments where she called home for over 20 years.

Our Mom was a strong woman who loved life, believed in the courage of your convictions, and made it a point to do it her way right up until the very end. We all love you and will miss you!

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.heavenlygracergv.com for the Ottmann family.