Elaine Marie Ottmann (Bissonette)

Elaine Marie Ottmann, 79, died at home, peacefully and without pain on March 17th, 2020 after a long history of multiple painful health challenges. She was surrounded by her loving children, Bob, Christine and Chuck who supported her as she transitioned to a more peaceful place.

She was the mother of 6 children, 1 step daughter, 15 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

She was the beloved wife of Henry J. Ottmann of 41 years.

Even with her health challenges she managed to raise 6 children, 4 of which she had by the time she was 21. She managed to put herself through nursing school and graduated with honors at the age of 28 with her 5th child being a new baby. She spent 15 years as a nurse at Northview Home and Hospital in Waukesha taking care of mentally challenged and hospice patients. She was also a volunteer firefighter and EMT for the city of New Berlin in her late 30’s and early 40’s. She spent the rest of her working years as an in-home Hospice nurse where she visited, supported and loved her patients. She retired at the age of 60 to spend time with her husband Hank. They loved travelling though out the United States with a special interest in visiting Civil War historical sites (with a few Casino stops along the way). She was on the Board of Directors of the Milwaukee Civil War Round Table.

At the age of 70, Elaine suffered the unexpected loss of her daughter Mary, a single mother of a young daughter named Hope. Hank and Elaine adopted Hope who was only 4 years old at the time. Even though they were both experienced parents they realized that raising a child in the 21st century was vastly different than when they raised their previous children. They quickly adapted to the newest technology (cell phones, social media, new math and homework being assigned via computers).

They enjoyed being parents to Hope and were revitalized. They dedicated the remainder of their lives to doing everything possible to ensure that Hope was given every opportunity to reach her maximum potential with the ultimate goal of her having a happy, successful life.

Unfortunately, they were unable to fully complete their mission together. However, they both made provisions to ensure that Hope will have the support necessary to complete what they started. Hope will be loved and raised exactly the way they would have wanted. Per Hank and Elaine’s wishes Hope will be raised by her Aunt Chris with the support of her Uncle Bob and Aunt Julie.

Elaine is survived by 6 children, Robert Riolo (Julie), Kimberly King, Vincent Riolo (Tracy), Christine Terrian, Charles Terrian (Jaclyn), Hope Ottmann, step daughter Tracie Trawicki and 15 Grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

She was proceeded in death by her husband, Henry Ottmann; Her parents, Vincent and Marie Bissonette; Her sister Joan (Bissonette); and her daughter Mary Marie.



 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Elaine Marie Ottmann (Bissonette), please visit our floral store.