Harold "Crazy" Ottesen

Harold “Crazy” Ottesen Jr., age 87, of Neshkoro, WI, passed away at his home surrounded by his family on Saturday, August 24, 2024. He was born on September 7, 1936, in Milwaukee, WI, a son of Harold and Lucille (Bartz) Ottesen Sr.

Harold married Irene Stella Stimac on July 19, 1958, at St. Mathias Catholic Church in Milwaukee, WI. He was a member of the United States Air Force and proudly served his country from 1958 to 1964. In 1970, Harold used his talents to build his first home in West Allis, WI. He had worked for the Milwaukee County Zoo as a zookeeper for 25 years before retiring.

Harold was a Boy Scout Leader for 50 years and received the highest award for volunteering with the scouts, which was the Silver Beaver Award. He was Scout Master of Troop 561 where his sons Michael and James received their Eagle Awards. He built a voyager canoe with his friends Alex and Glen. Harold enjoyed rendezvousing with his buddies John Fugman, Steve and Cindy Kramer and many others. He also enjoyed canoeing with middle school children and Bill Harris. He loved watching Packer games and enjoyed model railroad trains.

Those Harold leaves behind to cherish his memory are his wife of 66 years, Irene Ottesen of Neshkoro; his daughter, Sandra (Thomas) Brown of Marinette, WI; 7 grandchildren, Nicole Peterson, Kristin Peterson, Michelle Peterson; Ashley Ottesen; Michael Ottesen, Robert Ottesen, Dakota Ottesen; 6 great grandchildren, Alex Peterson, Joy Peterson, Emily Beringer, Aubrey Beringer; Quinn Weber; Callie Ottesen; great-great grandchild, Chelsey Beyer; brother-in-law, Robert (Rose) Stimac of Seneca, KS; sister-in-law, Jane Ottesen of Waukesha, WI; daughter-in-law, Jessica Ottesen; many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Lucille Ottesen Sr., 2 sons, Michael and James Ottesen; his twin brothers, Ronald and Arnold Ottesen; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Michael and Ann Stimac.

In honoring Harold’s wishes there will be no services.

Harold’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to ThedaCare at Home  Hospice, Sierra and Angie, Cooperative Care, and Transitions for the wonderful care they provided for Harold.  A very special thank you to Tom Brown our son-in-law, for being there for my husband, taking care of all his needs and wants. We are truly grateful that you were such a caring and compassionate person in his life. We appreciate all of you who helped us during this time.

Harold always said:

“A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in or the kind of car I drove – but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a boy.”

Wachholz and Sons Funeral Home

Sunset Cremation Center in Princeton

Serving the Family, 920-295-6631

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