Greggory Dallas Ottinger

Greggory Dallas Ottinger, age 70, passed away on December 16, 2025, at the American Lutheran Home in Mondovi, Wisconsin, surrounded by family, love, and kindness.

Born on June 12, 1955, at Luther Hospital in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Gregg was the son of William "Bill" and Dona (Larson) Ottinger. He graduated from Altoona High School in Altoona, Wisconsin, and soon after answered a call to serve by joining the United States Air Force. During his military career, Gregg trained in munitions maintenance, chemical and biological weapons, and explosive ordnance disposal. His service shaped the strength, humility, and quiet confidence that defined him throughout his life. He remained active in the Army National Guard. Later, Gregg became a proud member of American Legion Post 154 in Mondovi, Wisconsin.

After completing his military service, Gregg earned a degree in Business from Husson University in Bangor, Maine. He went on to build a long and dependable second career with the United States Postal Service, serving communities in Maine and Wisconsin. In 2005, he became Postmaster of the Wabasha, Minnesota Post Office, a role that reflected his fairness, reliability, and dedication to service.

Following his retirement from the USPS, Gregg stayed busy with part-time work around Mondovi, including Valley Golf Course, Smith Funeral Home, Midwest Dental, and the American Lutheran Home. For Gregg, work never centered on a paycheck; it reflected his desire to remain useful and help others.

Earlier in life, Gregg married Deborah Pelletier, and together they welcomed their daughter, Stephanie. Though that marriage later ended, Gregg remained deeply devoted to his daughter.

In the mid-1990s, Gregg reconnected with his high school sweetheart, Rae Ann Manney. They married soon after and shared 28 years of partnership rooted in love, trust, and mutual steadiness. Gregg and Rae became grounding influences for one another, offering balance and reassurance through every season of life.

They found their greatest joy up north at Cranberry Creek Campground near Lake Holcombe, Wisconsin, which became their home away from home for 15 years. Those years brought laughter, lasting friendships, countless pontoon rides, and a deep sense of peace.

Gregg loved golf, but he loved Wisconsin sports even more. He rarely missed a Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers, or Milwaukee Brewers game and always had an opinion ready when the final whistle blew.

Gregg is survived by his wife, Rae Ottinger; his daughter, Stephanie Ottinger Graner and her husband Pete; stepchildren Kayce Planert Lawcewicz and her husband Mark, and Cole Planert and his wife Jessica; grandchildren Braiden Graner, Charlie Lawcewicz, Taylor Lawcewicz, Kenzie Planert, and Aletta Planert; siblings William "Tony" Ottinger, Jacci Kolstad, and Shelly Rae Rossano, half-siblings Scott Ottinger and his wife Krista, and Jane Vanden Bush and her husband Tony; his beloved dogs, Mia and Gracie; along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff of the American Lutheran Home for their compassion and care, especially RN Jenny, whose kindness meant so much to both Gregg and Rae, as well as Tonya, Chelsea, Robin, and Denise. Appreciation also goes to the CNAs, dining services, housekeeping staff, and to Mark, their personal chauffeur, as well as the ADRC of Pepin and Buffalo Counties for providing transportation to Mayo Cancer Center. Special thanks to St. Croix Hospice for keeping Gregg comfortable in his final days and many thanks to our family and friends for their love and support.

A memorial gathering will be at Talbot Family Funeral Home in Mondovi on Saturday January 10, 2026 at 10:00 AM until the time of service at 12:00 PM, and will conclude with military honors and a gun salute. A luncheon will follow at Buzz’s Bar & Grill.

Gregg will be interred at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner, Wisconsin, at a later date.

Gregg lived a quiet life, yet his presence carried weight. He showed strength through loyalty, love through presence, and leadership through example. Though his absence leaves a deep void, his steadiness remains with those fortunate enough to have known and loved him.