Ross E. Hottman

Deerfield/Ft. Lauderdale, FL- Ross E. Hottman, age 72, passed away peacefully in his home on Thursday, June 30, 2011 surrounded by his family after a short, but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Ross was born on February 3, 1939 in Arena, the son of Harvey and Vera (Quigley) Hottman. He married Judy Martin on February 23, 1963. Ross graduated from Middleton High School. After graduation Ross and four classmates enlisted in the Army. All five served their time in the 1st Calvary Division from 1957-1960 in Germany. After the Army, Ross attended MATC and studied as an Engineering Aide. Ross worked many years in construction, both at Hottman Construction as a foreman and Gordon Towne as a supervisor. In June 1977, Ross and Judy opened the Pickle Tree, a bar and restaurant in Deerfield. The business became successful and Ross enjoyed many years running it with his son Mike. Ross was a member of the Deerfield Fire Department for 30 years, served on the Village Board as the Village Trustee, and was a long-time member of the Lake Ripley Country Club. He was also a member of the Deerfield Jaycees, American Legion and VFW. Ross was a loving husband, brother, father and grandfather and was a great friend to many. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, hunting, working around the house and family get-togethers. Ross was an avid sports fan especially enjoyed watching the Packers, Badgers, Brewers and Home Talent Baseball. Ross had an infectious smile and those around him enjoyed his library of jokes. Ross is survived by his wife of 48 years, Judy; his children, Jeff (Sandy), Mike (Tara) and Patrick (Amy); grandchildren, Cade, Brian, Carly and Benjamin; brother, Ron (Marge); sisters, Karen (Ed) Kirk, Kay (Steve) Eatough; many other loving relatives; and special friends. Ross was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, July 7, 2011 at Deerfield Lutheran Church, with Rev. Larry Sexe officiating. Burial, with Military Honors, will follow in Deerfield Lutheran Cemetery. Friends and relatives are invited to a luncheon at the church following the burial. Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Wednesday, July 6, 2011 at the church and from 10:00 AM until the time of services on Thursday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Deerfield Fire Department, CaringBridge or the Dori Bear program through HospiceCare Inc. in Fitchburg. A special thank you to Spence and Norma Artman and Ron Dorshorst for their friendship, and to the staff of HospiceCare Inc. especially Adele.