Valerie Lynn Ott

Valerie Lynn Ott, 70, passed away on Monday, December 22, 2025, at Oak Park Estates of Cedar Falls. She was born August 21, 1955, in Vernon, Wisconsin, daughter of Dale and Marilyn (Wedwick) Hickok. Val attended Orange High School, but was in the first graduating class at Central High School in 1973. She married Brian Arthur Ott on October 4, 1975 at Zion Lutheran Church of Waterloo. Val worked as a cake decorator for Hy-Vee, then as an office manager for Bob Sheldon State Farm Insurance before finding her true calling as a caretaker with Home Instead.

Val was preceded in death by her parents; her parents-in-law; and her son, Ryan Ott. She is survived by her son, Derek (Jessie) Ott of Waterloo; daughter, Taylor Ott of Cedar Falls; grandchildren: Joanie, Bear and De'Vaughn; brothers, Alan (Teresa) Hickok of Boiling Springs, SC and Dave (Wendy) Hickok of Galena, IL; sister, Noreen (Gene) Leone of Lakeland, FL; her "watchdog", Patches; and many extended family members and friends.

Val's Funeral Service will be at 10:30 am on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, with Visitation from 4-6:00 the evening prior both at Prairie Lakes Church of Cedar Falls. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association.

Val was an amazing cook and especially enjoyed baking for Christmas. She had never-ending patience and a kind heart for all. She enjoyed going to musical performances. Val had a deep faith and she and Brian were long term members at Grace Brethren Church in Waterloo, then at Prairie Lakes in Cedar Falls.  Above all else, she cherished time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren.