Mildred “Millie” Marie Ott, age 88, of Merrill, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, June 20, 2018, while surrounded by her loving family. She was born on May 14, 1930 to the late James and Anna Kellar in Merrill, and baptized at First Baptist Church in Merrill. Millie attended and graduated from Merrill High School. She met her best friend and love of her life, LeRoy J. Ott, and the two exchanged wedding vows on August 24, 1951. He survives. Their 66 years of marriage has been a witness to what “true love” and “a promise” really are.
Millie was first and foremost a housewife and caring mother, but would at times work at various local businesses. Throughout her lifetime, Millie was very involved in church activities, events and teaching Sunday school, and she had such a love for children, always giving them loving hugs and sweet words. She enjoyed helping others and sharing her faith through Bible studies that she and LeRoy attended. Millie and her family would look forward to traveling, and would visit various places throughout the United States. Millie also enjoyed reading, golfing, playing cards, working on puzzles, gardening and dancing polkas with LeRoy. She was also very skilled in sewing, crocheting and knitting. Millie is lovingly remembered by family as a sweet and gentle soul that had a strong Christian faith. She was a life member of the VFW Women’s Auxillary Post # 1638 and the Merrill Bible Church.
Millie is survived by her loving husband of 66 years: LeRoy Ott of Merrill, children: Susan (Bryan) Pester of Wausau, Steven (Eileen) Ott of Suamico, WI, Randall Ott of Merrill and Brenda (Russell) Luterbach of Wausau, grandchildren: Chad (Leah) Pester of St. Augustine, FL, Matthew (Maricar) Pester of New Ulm, MN, Eric (Angela) Ott, Ryan (Katie) Ott, both of Merrill, Frank Staszak of Madison, Julie Kreuser and Jeff (Amber) Ott of Green Bay, great grandchildren: Isabella and Mason Pester, Megan and William Kreuser and Rylie and Lainey Ott, sisters: Judy (David) Sukow and Florence Kulawinski, brother: Carl Kellar, brother-in-law: Don Kurth, sisters-in-law: Bernelda Jockimsen, Jenny (Don) Ebertz and Virginia Ott. She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters: Valeda Carlson, Betty Genz and Mable Kurth, brother: Robert Kellar, brothers-in-law: Marvin Ott and Dick Kulawinski and sister-in-law: Kiyoko Kellar.
The Funeral Service for Millie will be held on Tuesday, June 26, 2018 at 11:30am at Waid Funeral Home in Merrill. Pastor Todd VanRyn will officiate. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 26, 2018 from 9am until the time of the service, also at the funeral home. Burial will immediately follow the service and take place at Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery.
Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.