John Ottinger

John C. Ottinger, 76, of Madison, died July 1, 2014, after living successfully for many years with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. He was born on July 5, 1937, in New York City, the son of John C. and Dorothy (Fonda) Ottinger. He served in the US Army in Europe from 1955 to 1958. He was a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, with a BA in journalism. He was a dispatcher, with the Badger Cab Co from 1964-1978, the Madison Police Department from 1978-1988, and the Dane County 911 center from 1988-1998; in the latter two positions winning numerous awards and honors. He married Peggy Lison on Madeline Island, WI, on May 14,1995. Peggy was his "Rock of Gibraltar", especially in his later years. After retirement they traveled extensively in their motor home in the US and Canada. He was a volunteer with RSVP in Madison. For the past several years he kept a web site and message board for persons with COPD and other lung diseases. He enjoyed canoeing and wilderness travel, genealogy, and playing the piano and accordion. He was a lifelong Democrat, and believed strongly in the separation of church and state. The date for John's celebration will be posted on this site, it will be toward the end of July and at our home. I'll miss and love you forever Moka. -Miz P
A contribution for John's uncovered medical and nursing home expenses would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. Please add your memories of John in the "memory" section on this site. Thanks so much to everyone who helped these last six months -you are all loved and appreciated.
The memorial fund is: John C. OttingerIII Memorial Fund 0118514400 at
Summit credit union P.O. Box 8046 Madison Wi. 53708-8046 or if you are in Madison you may stop at any Summit credit union with the Fund name and # to contribute.