Obituary
Mylan E. Ottum
Mylan E. Ottum, age 80, passed away peacefully Friday, June 7, 2019 Mylan was born to Edwin E. and Evelyn O. (Kolbo) Ottum June 2, 1939 in Westby, WI. He married Linda L. Mitchell on November 11, 1972 in Marquette, Michigan. Mylan enjoyed spending time camping and grilling and picnicking in the park, studying Genealogy and his Norwegian Heritage, and taking long drives to explore many Wisconsin sites. He was involved in his church, confirmed at Brush Creek Lutheran in Ontario, WI and then Calvary Lutheran, ELCA in Brookfield, WI, and Bethel Lutheran in La Crosse, WI. Mylan was very family oriented and spent as much time with his 5 grandchildren as he could. He was proud of them all and very giving of his time. Mylan worked for 17 years at Ruby Farms in Brookfield, WI showing horses and maintaining properties for Ruby Realties. He did many other jobs in his life including farming, construction, truck driving, and factory. He always provided for his family. Mylan is survived by his wife Linda, Daughter Jamiee Ottum, Son Eric (Jodi) Ottum, his grandchildren, Ashley, Caleb, and Melissa Niesl, Tyler Biller-Brooks and Emily Ottum. He is also survived by his brothers Kenneth, Blaine (Joyce), Russel (Barbara), Elvin (Myrna), Nordahl, and Norman Ottum, and 1 sister Carolyn (David) Kennedy of Beloit, WI. And 3 Sister in Laws, Mable (Richard) Dowe, Pam (Thomas) Thorpe, And Mary (Thomas) Mitchell and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents Edwin E. Ottum (1899-1965) and Evelyn O. Ottum (1918-1997), Twin siblings, Sandra and Stanley, His Father and Mother in law, Bill Mitchell and Elsie (Seymour) Mitchell, Brother In Law, David (Carolyn) Kennedy, Brother In Law Thomas (Mary) Mitchell, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins. The family thanks Gundersen Health System and Vernon Memorial Hospice, as well as Coulee Region Cremation Group.
Mylan was a great guy. Always enjoyed talking with people and helping someone when he could. I enjoyed listening to his stories and seeing his big smile and listening to his jokes that he would share. Mylan really loved his family and always spoke highly of them Especially his wife Linda. Our apt building won’t be the same without him.
Mylan and I would talk about our shared interest in Norway at times. I pray he does well in the next life, as does my wife, who was also his friend. God’s blessings to him and his family.
Oh Linda my heart and prayers go out to you. You and Mylan were together a long time. I know you will miss him terribly. If you need an ear I am here for you Day or night. Hug and kisses. Rose ?
I met Mylan during the latter 1970’s when he and his wife Linda lived in Michigan’s upper peninsula. They became enjoyable friends of my wife and myself during that time. We didn’t do a lot of things together as couples, but when we did it was always uplifting and fun. I was sad when they moved to Wisconsin, but it was a favorable opportunity for Mylan.
Mylan’s marriage to Linda was a match made in heaven. They were a perfect fit. He had a keen interest about the creation he was part of, but he never soft pedaled the effort to provide for his family. I consider myself fortunate to have known Mylan during his lifetime on the planet. He was a sincere person who cared about others and when he said something I always found him to be a truthful person. Mylan Ottum, born 1939, and the world is a better place because he was here.
Linda, your probably aware that my wife passed away in 2012. I know how hard it is to lose your life long companion and partner. Don’t cheat yourself and try to ignore the grief you feel. You will heal even though it doesn’t seem possible. Mylan is free of this earth and in heaven with his Savior. He has likely been greeted by my wife Janis and others he knew during his temporary life on earth.
Your in my prayers,
Doug Hollowell