Traci Annette (Matthiesen) Ottmann
November 20, 1958 – December 16, 2017
Traci Annette “Z” Ottmann, 59, of Reno, Nevada passed away Saturday December 16, 2017 at Renown Medical Center in Reno, Nevada.
She was born on Nov. 20, 1958, the youngest of four children to Richard “Buddy” and Juanita “Jeri” (Juell) Matthiesen in Gardena, California.
The family moved back to Goodland, Minnesota in 1964 and Traci was a 1977 graduate of Nashwauk-Keewatin High School. She married John Eckstrom in 1979 in Goodland and lived in Hibbing, MN until she moved to Reno in 1988 seeking a dryer climate to improve her health problems. It was in Reno where she met her soul mate on July 20, 1988, Thomas Ottmann and they were married on January 1st, 1990. She and Tommy enjoyed 29 wonderful years together.
Traci battled asthma and respiratory illness from infancy to the end of her life. Despite her challenges, she was strong in her Christian faith and a truly compassionate person who was always fun to be with and who had only good things to say about everyone. Traci also had a passion for animals, especially cats; no stray ever remained that way after crossing her path. She often said when she gets to heaven she will be God’s zoo keeper since she was allergic to animals. She was a talented artist who loved music, and was a huge fan of many of the Rock Bands of the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. Especially the Beatles, Bowie, & Van Morrison.
She is survived by her husband Tommy; her mother, Jeri, under care in Buhl, MN; brothers, Scott Matthiesen of Hibbing, MN and Kim “Red” Matthiesen of Warba, MN; A sister Faith Allyn of Abilene, TX; mother in-law, Louise Ottmann of Mesquite, NV; brother in-law, Tim (Roxanne) Ottmann of Reno, Sister in-law Lisa (Mike) Nowakowski, nieces & nephews: Jesse Matthiesen of Chisholm, MN; Andy (Kelly) Matthiesen of Lino Lakes, MN; Jubal Nelson of Salida, CO; Fran Nelson of Pueblo, CO, Erik & Spencer Ottmann, Bryan (Melinda) VanderHeyden, Jenny (Jose) Ruiz, Josh VanderHeyden, Jimmy, Brianne, Garrett, all of Reno, NV; and too many great nieces, nephews, & friends both in Nevada and Minnesota to mention.
Traci was preceded in death by her father, Buddy Matthiesen on March 28, 2015, her father in-law, Roger Ottmann on August 23, 2014, and sister in-law, Doreen Ottmann on May 2, 2002.
A memorial service for Traci will be held both in Reno, NV & Goodland MN at a later date.
Arrangements by Ross, Burke & Knoble Mortuary.

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