Ronald Ottoson

Ronald “Coach” Ottoson, age 89, of Elmhurst, Illinois, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2026. Born in 1936 in Chicago to the late Karl Ottoson and the late Anna (née Nielson), he was a beloved husband to Kay (née Lurtz) Ottoson. He was a loving father to Eric (Megan Welch) Ottoson and Christine (John) Mahoney, a cherished grandfather to Molly, Josie, Ty, and Audrey, and a dear brother to the late Carol Sheldon and brother-in-law to Bill (Susie) Lurtz. He was also a fond uncle to Ron (Nancy) Sheldon, Tom Sheldon, and Karen (Bob) Effner.

Ron and Kay raised their children in Elmhurst, where the family attended Sandburg and York High School. Deeply involved in the community, Ron served on the park board for six years while both he and Kay served as scout leaders and PTA presidents. After earning a Master’s Degree in physical education from Northern Illinois University in 1958, Ron began his career as a teacher and coach at Schurz High School, his alma mater. He later taught and coached at Austin High School and Oak Park and River Forest High School before becoming head track coach at the College of DuPage. There he built a highly successful program that won multiple state and national titles. He was named Coach of the Year numerous times, and upon his retirement the track facility was named the Ron Ottoson Track Complex in his honor in April 2010. Known as a dedicated mentor who always offered a listening ear, Ron touched the lives of countless students and athletes.

In 1970, Ron and Kay purchased a lake home on South Twin Lake in Eagle River, Wisconsin. The cottage became the heart of their family life, where they spent many joyful summers raising their children and grandchildren and celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, and reunions. The cottage will remain in the family as a lasting gathering place. Ron often said “Life is good,” and he lived that philosophy fully, embracing each day with gratitude and happiness. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.