Marian Cecilia Ott

Marian Cecilia (Ries) Ott, 97, formerly of La Crescent, MN died peacefully on Thursday, May 19, 2022, at Eagle Crest South in La Crosse, WI surrounded by her family and wonderful staff.  She was born in the family home in Clayton, IA on December 31, 1924 to John A. and Genevieve E. (Loes) Ries.  She married Donald J. Ott on May 22, 1947 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Garnavillo, IA.

Marian and Donald lived in numerous cities in MN, IA and WI following his occupation with the railroad.  They settled in La Crescent, MN in 1954 and were residents until 2014.  They were members of the Church of the Crucifixion for more than 60 years.  Marian was a member of the choir and CCW and an active volunteer in the community, helping anyone in need in any way she could, often anonymously.

Marian was a beloved wife and mother, and she is survived by her eight children, Michael (Victoria Burckart) Ott of Houston, MN, Thomas (Karen Carmody) Ott of Houston, MN, Elizabeth (Michael) Schaffer of Houston, MN, Jerome (Marjorie Opsahl) Ott of Wabasha, MN, Margaret (Dwayne) Johnson of La Crescent, MN, Madonna (Rocky) Gile of Rockford, IL, David (Christine Conrad) Ott of Eau Claire, WI, and Joan (George) Wright of La Crosse, WI.  She is also survived by 26 Grandchildren, 2 Step-Grandchildren, 2 Foster Grandchildren, 42 Great Grandchildren (with one more on the way) , 10 Step-Great Grandchildren, and 2 Great-Great Grandchildren, all of whom knew they were her “favorite”.  She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. 

She was not only Mom to her eight children, but she was the loving neighborhood mom for the many kids who crossed her threshold.  Everyone was welcome, always fed, loved and cared for, as if you were one of her own.

Marian treasured every special moment spent with her family and friends.  She made every person feel loved and gave the best hugs.  She was very outgoing and she touched many lives. She was an amazing mother and grandmother who loved with her whole heart and soul.  She loved babies and never missed a chance to hold one.  She enjoyed spending time with her family and playing a good game of cards, especially her special Sunday night card games that she loved so much. 

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of over 67 years, Donald,  one infant child, Louise Annette, her parents, John A. and Genevieve E., brother, Robert J. Ries, sister, Mary Janet Ott, and a grandson, John W. Ott.  May they rest in peace.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Eagle Crest for their loving care and kindness over the past seven years!

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00am, Thursday, May 26, 2022 at The Church of the Crucifixion, 423 So. 2^nd St., La Crescent, MN.  Rev. John L. Evans will officiate at the Mass, with burial following the Mass. Family and friends may call from 9:30am until the time of Mass on Thursday with a Rosary to be held at 10:35am.