Alan Andrew Ott was born on March 11, 1943, in Fremont, Nebraska, during the midst of World War II. At the time, his father was working on the Alcan Highway in Alaska. Alan was the sixth child of Arthur "Bill" and Alice (Nelsen) Ott.
As a boy growing up in Hooper, Alan created his own adventures. He enjoyed playing ''ditch 'em,'' kick the can, and packed sardines, building tree houses, ice skating at the old lake, and hitchhiking to swim at the Scribner Pool. He started working at an early age, helping his dad mix cement, unloading coal, cleaning the local auditorium, and mowing lawns.
Alan attended Hooper Public Schools and graduated in 1961. Sports were a huge part of his life. He played in the State Midget Baseball Tournament in Wymore in 1955 at age 12. In 1959, his Legion team won the State Championship in Grant. That same year, he played in the State High School Baseball Tournament in Lincoln. He also competed in the State Basketball and Track Meet in Lincoln in 1961.
In the fall of 1961, Alan enrolled at Wayne State Teachers College, where he ran track for the Wildcats until a summer job injury with the railroad ended his athletic career. He graduated in 1965 with a teaching degree and later earned his Master's Degree in Administration from Wayne State College in 1991.
On July 8, 1972, Alan married Ellen Hummel of Scribner. The couple enjoyed several years of travel and adventure before welcoming twin sons, Chad and Chris, in 1978. Six years later, their third son, Curt, completed the family. The three boys kept the family busy and active.
Alan began his teaching/coaching career in Elm Creek, NE, in 1965, and moved to Arlington High School in 1967. In 1973, he tried a new path selling cars at Adams Pontiac-Buick Motor Company in Fremont, NE. But his passion for teaching and coaching drew him back, and in 1976 he joined Logan View High School as the boys' basketball coach, Athletic Director, and business teacher. He retired in 2004.
Throughout his coaching career, Alan received numerous honors. While at Arlington, he was a member of the Omaha Metro Coaches Association and was nominated twice for ''Coach of the Year'' for both the metro area and the state. He coached in the Omaha Metro Area All-Star Basketball Game twice and the Fremont Tribune All-Star Basketball Game four times. In 2002, he was honored by the Nebraska Coaches Association for 25 years of coaching. Coach Ott enjoyed many conversations with fellow coaches and sportswriters, seeing many of these at the State Boys Basketball tournament, which Al attended for 61 straight years.
Alan was active, not only in education, but on community committees. He has been a dedicated member of Redeemer Lutheran Church, serving in various roles over the years. However, Alan's foremost hobby was golf. He belonged to the Elkhorn Valley Golf Club, where he rarely missed a weekday 12:30 tee time with his group of golf pals. Al and Ellen spent many Friday nights with close friends - golf first, supper after. Seven times, Alan was able to attend the Master's Golf Tournament in Augusta, GA. His golf highlight was a trip to Scotland with his 3 sons and brother Dean, to play several courses including St. Andrews. We are certain Al has scheduled a few tee times in heaven!
Al was our handyman as he could fix anything and get it to work. He was very proud of his family and felt blessed to have time getting to know his 6 grandchildren and enjoying their activities, playing in the yard, and watching trucks on the iPad together.
Those left behind to celebrate Al's life and legacy:
His wife, Ellen of Hooper
Son, Chad (Teri) Ott of Lincoln, and granddaughter Eve
Son, Chris (Andrea) Ott of Valley, and grandchildren Reagan and Henry
Son, Curt (Ashley) Ott of Kearney, and grandchildren Tinley, Asher, and Dylan
Brother, Lee (Gerri) Ott of Tekamah
Brother, John (Carolyn) Ott of Omaha
Sister, Susan (David) Dvorak of Grand Island
Sister, Sally (Gerald) Oberg of Hooper
Bother, Dean Ott (Pam Gallagher) of Kearney
Sister-in-law Connie (Don) Havekost of Hooper
Sister-in-law Diane (Pat) Shimoda of Orange, CA
and many nieces and nephew.
Alan was preceded in death by his parents Bill and Alice; siblings and their spouses: Jim & Peggy Ott, Rod & Marge Ott, and Joan & Loren Bushkofsky.
There is no viewing but the family will receive friends Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Hooper from 4pm to 7pm. Memorial Service will be 10:30am, Wednesday also at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Hooper. Ludvigsen's Hooper Funeral Chapel in charge of arrangements.
Online guestbook at www.hooper-scribner.com
Condolences(8)
Jenna Walraven
Fremont, NE Friday, April 25, 2025 Rip mr ott u were one of my teachers in high st Logan view. Thoughts and prayers to the family. I’m very sorry for ur loss. Mr ott was a good person he will be missed but never forgotten.Keith Gautreaux
Pullman, WA Friday, April 25, 2025 Sad to hear about his passing, but grateful he is at peace.Sonja Bauers
Fremont, NE Thursday, April 24, 2025 So very sorry to read about Alan's passing. Our prayers and sincere condolences to Ellen and family.Sonja & Dave Bauers
Marlene R Geiger
Ames, IA Thursday, April 24, 2025 Ellen and family, Sending you my deepest sympathy at this challenging time. May the hole in your heart be filled with many loving memories that will live on in countless ways. MarleneMatthew Behrens
Lincoln, NE Thursday, April 24, 2025 He sacked a mean bag of popcorn. Prayers for all the Ott’s.Lanette Flood
Denton, TX Thursday, April 24, 2025 My heart breaks for you all. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers always. Love you guys!Ivye Benson
Ormond Beach, FL Thursday, April 24, 2025 Dear Ellen & boys,We were saddened to hear of Al's passing. He was a great guy Ellen & we send our love & prayers. God be with you & your family.
In Christ's love,
Ivye & family
Alex Kallio
Pittsboro, NC Thursday, April 24, 2025 So sorry to hear the news of his passing. Prayers to the whole Ott family.