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John Carroll University

Richard Ottes Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jul. 10, 2025.

Richard Ottes BSBA, CPCU

Passed away on March 20, 2025. He was the husband of Virginia for over 56 years, the only child of Peter Joseph Ottes and Hazel Blanche (Lacey) Ottes, brother-in-law of the late Mary Ann Berger (the late Raymond), the late Betty Alsmeyer (the late Elmer), the late Joe (Jeanette) Breher, Janice (Jim) Cordes, William (Joan) Breher, father of Mary Ottes and Gene (Melissa) Ottes, and grandfather of Justin (Czerina), Kenny (Shelby) Benson, Emma Ottes and Anna Ottes, and great grandfather to Sofia and Kyson.

He was born in Bloomington, IL and graduated from Holy Trinity High School (now Central Catholic) and John Carroll University with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and a commission from the US Army as a Second Lieutenant in the Transportation Corps. He later obtained the professional insurance designation of Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter (CPCU).

He worked in the commercial insurance world for over 20 years and then for 18 years as an insurance and pension specialist for the Department of Defense as a civilian. His perseverance resulted in over 37 years of service in the Army Reserve and attaining the rank of full Colonel. He enjoyed watching and listening to the St. Louis Cardinals games and cheered for the Chicago Bears every Sunday. He loved cheese curds and onion rings and strawberry shakes and spending time with his family.

Services: Funeral Mass will be held on Sat. July 19 at St. John Bosco Catholic Church, 12934 Marine Ave. St. Louis 63146 at 10 a.m. Internment scheduled for Arlington National Cemetery in 2026. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Monica, Society of St. Vincent De Paul KRIEGSHAUSER BROTHERS

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Paul Berger

July 16, 2025

Uncle Rich was the gentlest of souls, always kind and supportive with seemingly infinite patience. Uncle Rich was inseparable from Aunt Ginny and she was with him, a truly inspiring couple. Uncle Rich had a way of making you feel special when you walked into a room, because he would light up, smiling, and ask genuine questions, wanting to know about you. And how nice that the Catholic Church service was able to schedule 4-months later to allow the family affairs to get in order beforehand. It will be a great honor to know that he will be received at Arlington Cemetery, where I will have to visit with him again. Pictured with my father, Ray Berger, also deceased.