Darwin Emil Ott

On Tuesday, December 27, 2022, Darwin E. Ott, loving husband and father of two children, entered his eternal home at the age of 89. He died peacefully with his family by his side. A private prayer service was held on Friday, December 30, 2022 at Hansen-Schilling Funeral Home in Marshfield for the immediate family. Due to a family member’s recent long-term illness, a memorial service was postponed until the Spring of 2023.

Services will be held for family and friends at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 604 South Chestnut Avenue, Marshfield on Saturday, April 29, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Chris Schwanz officiating. Military Honors will be performed by the American Legion Post #54 following the service. Visitation for family and friends will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church on Saturday.

Honorary pallbearers will be Darwin’s four grandchildren: Jessica Miller, Jordan Haack, Brian Ott and Paige Dielmann; his two great-grandsons: Darwynn and Jerry Miller, and his nephew, Brian Foltz.

Darwin was born on January 13, 1933 in Marshfield, WI to Robert and Anita (Dix) Ott. After his schooling was completed, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served State-side during the Korean War for the years of 1953 and 1954. After his discharge, Darwin farmed with his dad and eventually took over the family dairy farm. Darwin loved the farm life, and would’ve chosen that life and working the land over any other. Farming was his passion.

On September 15, 1956, Darwin married Ardene M. Paasch at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Marshfield, WI, where he was a lifelong member. They had two children, Mark and Darla, and celebrated 66 years together this past September. Darwin and Ardene farmed together for about 25 years when their son, Mark, joined the operation. This third-generation family farm continues to thrive today with Mark continuing to cash crop.

Darwin loved and was loved by his family. He lit up any time anyone came to visit. He always had a smile on his face and time to chat. He loved the farm life and always told his kids that they’d go fishing when the hay got made… Inside joke: The hay always got made, but they never went fishing! Darwin’s work ethic was strong, as was his faith, and he passed both on to his children and grandchildren. In his younger years, Darwin enjoyed deer and fox hunting, and would run his beagles rabbit hunting, and enjoyed looking for coyote tracks in the fresh snow on the farm. Darwin always had lots of hunting stories to share! He also enjoyed snowmobiling, bowling, playing cards and dice games with the grandchildren, and he loved a fast-paced game of Sheepshead at family gatherings and neighborhood card parties. Darwin volunteered for a number of years at the Clark County Humane Society, caring for the dogs with his daughter, Darla, along with mowing and yard duties.

Darwin is survived by his loving wife of 66 years: Ardene Ott of Marshfield; his children: Mark (Karen) Ott of Marshfield; Darla (Dennis) Wessel of Sturgeon Bay; as well as his four grandchildren: Jessica (Eric) Miller, Jordan (Trevor) Haack, Brian (Jessica) Ott, and Paige Dielmann.  He is further survived by his 2 great grandsons: Darwynn and Jerry Miller; sisters: Geraldine (Robert) Foltz, Bonnie Ziegahn and Phyllis Wendt. Darwin was an unrivaled example of what a good man should be. As a neighbor recently said, “The Lord took a good man.” Love you, Dad. Darwin was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Virginia Weirauch, and brother, Kenneth Ott.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Immanuel Lutheran Church and School in Marshfield, the Marshfield Area Pet Shelter (MAPS), or the Clark County Humane Society.

The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to the staff of the Marshfield Medical Center for their compassionate care, especially Dr. Rasul and Dr. DeSai, and Kris Gilkerson, NP, and the Palliative Care Team. Special thanks to the Town of Lincoln Fire Department/EMTs/First Responders, the Marshfield Fire Department, and to Pastor Chris Schwanz, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Marshfield, WI, and Chaplain Renata.

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