Myrna Jean (Berg) Ottum, 71, of Kendall died Dec. 15, 2024, at home.
She was born Aug. 21, 1953, in Viroqua, Wis., to Lawrence and Leona (Hanson) Berg. She married Elvin Ottum at Brush Creek Lutheran Church on Aug. 21, 1971. Together they farmed for many years and welcomed four children. Myrna was also mom to her brother, Bob, after their mom’s passing.
Myrna also worked at local businesses in banking and manufacturing before and while farming. Myrna loved to ride horses and enjoyed several trips riding in Wyoming. She and Elvin also went on many wagon trains with their friends. Myrna was an avid Wisconsin sports fan. She loved to play cards, garden, travel and take care of her family. She was able to take a family trip to Yellowstone over the summer that brought her great joy.
She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Elvin; her children, Chad (Jeannine) Ottum of Kendall, Carla (Shannon) O’Rourke of Sparta, Andrew (Amanda) Ottum of Kendall, and Aaron (Lisa) Ottum of Holmen; her grandchildren, Cory (Bridget) Ottum, Alyssa and Jay Ottum, Kari, Michael and Katie O’Rourke, Rebecca, Emma, Aiden and Elizabeth Ottum, and Zoey and Trevor Ottum; her great-grandchildren, Audrey, Aileen, Ellis, Melanie and baby boy Ottum; her brothers, Roger Berg, Ricky (Rhonda) Berg, and Bob (Kim) Berg; her sisters, Marilyn Tollefson and Myrtle McKamie; her brothers-in-law, Russel (Barb) Ottum, Blaine (Joyce) Ottum, Kenny, Nordahl and Norman Ottum; and special family, Gary Berg. She is further survived by many special friends and family.
Myrna was preceded in death by her parents; her parents-in-law, Edwin and Evelyn Ottum; her brothers-in-law, Roger Tollefson and Danny McKamie; her brothers- and sisters-in-law, David and Carolyn Kennedy and Mylan and Linda Ottum; her twin brother and sister-in-law, Stanley Alan and Sandra Ann; her granddaughter, Hannah; her great-grandchild, Quinn; and special family, Ed and Helen Berg.
Myrna and family would like to thank all her friends and family for their love and support, Dr. Harmon and staff, hospice and anyone else who walked alongside Myrna during her cancer journey.
A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, at Brush Creek Lutheran Church, E 11765 Omlet Road, rural Ontario. Rev Patrick Ziems will officiate. Relatives and friends are invited for a time of visitation on Saturday from 9 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Please join for a celebration of Myrna’s life and luncheon following the service at Cashton Community Center, 812 Main St., Cashton.
The Smith-Nelson-Sonnenburg Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be offered by visiting www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com.
