Kristi Otteson-Whiteside

Madison- Kristi Otteson-Whiteside, age 45, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 22, 2018 at her home. She was born in Madison on May 16, 1972, the daughter of Andy and Gaylene Otteson. Kristi graduated from LaFollette High School in 1990. She worked for WPS, AFSCME Council 24, and Metro Market. Kristi was a strong union supporter. On September 18, 1999, she married Chad Whiteside. Together they enjoyed boating, motorcycle riding, and hanging out with family and friends. Kristi also enjoyed ATV riding and spending time at the cabin with her parents. Kristi was a member of Four Lakes Yacht Club, Elks Lodge 410, and McFarland Lutheran Church. She was an advocate for puppy mill rescues, her rescues included Candie, Mellie, Austin, Bogie, and Midge, and she fostered several dogs as well. Kristi is survived by her husband, Chad; parents, Andy and Gaylene; brother, Kirk; special cousin, Traci Campion; Chad's parents, Paul and Sandy Whiteside; sister-in-law, Crystal (Andrew) Czarnecki; dear neighbor, Cathy Cruise; and many extended relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Leonard and Margene Otteson, and Edmund and Marilyn Halverson. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, March 29, 2018 at Cress Funeral Home, 5801 Highway 51, McFarland, WI 53558, with Rev. Timothy Dean officiating. Friends and relatives are invited to a luncheon, immediately following, at the McFarland American Legion Post 534. Private burial will take place at Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Wednesday, March 28, 2018, and from 10:00 AM until the time of services, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Kristi's memory to North Central Maltese Rescue, c/o Mary Palmer, 5311 Douglas Avenue #121, Racine, WI, 53402. A special thank you to family, friends, and neighbors for their care and compassion. Please share your memories of Kristi by posting Tributes.
Cress Funeral Services
5801 Highway 51
McFarland, WI 53558
(608) 838-0655