John R. Ott

John's life began June 9, 1950, in Benton Harbor. He spent most of his childhood growing up in Sodus until the age of 16 when he moved to Alaska until graduation. Upon graduating high school, he returned to the Benton Harbor area and enlisted with the U.S. Navy. John proudly served for four years on the USS Saratoga.

While home on leave, John met Susan Sullivan and in 1972 they married, they enjoyed 53 years together. After the service, John became a journeyman electrician. In his spare time, John enjoyed gardening, working on cars, he was a hot rod enthusiast, trains and collecting guns. He was a proud member of the NRA. John was an even prouder father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

John's greatest joy was spending time with his family, which includes his wife, Susan; four children: Nicole (Ron) Hess, John Michael Erin Ott, Kristine (Curtis) Whitaker and William (Twila) Ott; 11 grandchildren: Joshua, Jacob, Jonah, Jorge, Devin, Dylan, Gracie, CJ, Shawn, Jaylee, Destiny and Jasper; two great-grandchildren: Presley and Leeym; a brother, Joseph Ott; four sisters: Nanette Patrick, Kathrine (Andy) Reneau, Annette (Jeremy) Hopkins and Karen (Gerald) Brewer and many nieces and nephews.

John died Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at home surrounded by his loving family.

He is preceded in death by a granddaughter, Alyssa; two brothers: Jim Ott and Jay Ott; a sister, Carolyn Clark and his parents: Jack and Melissa (Scott) Ott.

Friends may visit with John's family from 6-8 p.m. on Monday, May 5, at Hutchins Funeral Home in Watervliet, where funeral services will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 6. In honor of John's love for hot rods, his family encourages you to drive your hot rod to John's visitation and funeral. Burial will follow in North Shore Memory Gardens in Hagar Shores. In lieu of flowers, you may plant a tree or make a donation to Fisher House in John's memory. You are invited to leave a message of comfort for John's family at hutchinsfuneral.com.