Nerissa J. Ott, 93, of Kenosha, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 26, 2023, at Robin Way Senior Living, with her loving daughter by her side.
She was born June 29, 1930, in Kenosha, WI, the daughter of the late Louis and Agnes (Resop) Greenwald. Nerissa attended local schools and graduated from Mary D. Bradford High School in 1948. She continued her education at St. Francis School of Nursing in LaCrosse, WI and graduated in 1951. Nerissa went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Health Arts degree from St. Francis in 1980. She married James C. Ott on November 24, 1951. They divorced after 25 years but remained friends.
Nerissa worked as a registered nurse at Kenosha Memorial Hospital, spending most of her career in the emergency department. She loved the emergency department and because of her caring and calming personality it was her calling.
She loved to read, indulge in sweets, and travel. Nerissa visited all of the states except Hawaii. She traveled to England and Europe several times with her sister and best friend, Jacky.
She was a good mother and was so proud of her children and their families. In younger years she attended her grandson’s sporting events, rain or shine.
Nerissa was a devout catholic. She was a member of St. Therese Church, and a former member of St. Thomas Aquinas Church (which she loved).
She is survived by her three children: Mary Kim (James) Johnson, Kevin (Mia) Ott, and Peggy (Paul) Hammelev; eight grandchildren: Matthew, Kyle (Caitlin), and Sean Johnson; Garrett (Alaxis), Jamie (Allison) and Forrest Ott; and Erin, and Ryan (Kaydee) Hammelev; and four great-grandchildren: Isla & Odin Johnson; Finn Johnson; and Petra Ott. Nerissa is further survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends.
In addition to her parents, Nerissa was preceded in death by her two sisters: Lorraine (Lloyd) Scott & Jacky Teschler; her two infant daughters, Sue Marie & Heidi Jean; and her former husband, James C. Ott.
Nerissa’s family would like to thank Robin Way Senior Living for their compassionate care, especially Diana.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at St. Therese of Lisieux Catholic Church, 2020 91st St., Kenosha, WI 53143, from 10:00 a.m. until a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Interment will immediately follow at St. George Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make contributions to Hospice Alliance in Nerissa’s memory.
