Paul Robert Ottinger

Paul Ottinger, 76, died on May 20th, 2023 surrounded by loved ones after a short, fierce battle with cancer. 

Paul Robert Ottinger was born on May 13, 1947. He grew up in Duluth, Minnesota, the son of Clarence and Dorothy Ottinger and brother of Mary Ann Ottinger ( Washington State).

Paul was a man of many talents.  During his high school years he rebuilt a 1953 MGTD, was a Junior National skier, and, along with three friends formed the band the Five Tymes. Paul was the lead singer, and the band cut a 45 LP and played venues throughout the upper Midwest. 

Following high school graduation,  Paul entered the PLC program at the University of Minnesota.  After graduation he began his 30 year career in the United States Marine Corps. Those years were spent in the company of his wife, Mary Jo ( Burke), and their four children, Michael, James, Elizabeth and Daniel.  Paul served in all three active duty Marine Corps Divisions. He also spent a year with the United Nations in the Middle East and three years in Europe with NATO.

Following his military retirement in 2000, Paul worked as a defense contractor for Booze Allen Hamilton and Camber Corp. In the area of Homeland Security. 

The last six years of final retirement were spent at the Gander Lake, Lake Nebagamon cabin during the summer and fall, and the Citrus Hills, Florida home in the winter.  Projects, family gatherings, and golf leagues brought Paul much enjoyment. 

Paul was a cherished husband, father, and grandfather.  He loved God, his family,  his Country, and his many friends. His grandson, Henry Otto, said during our last visit to Austin, " See you next season, Grandpa!" And so we shall. Fair Winds and Following Seas, Marine. Semper Fi...and God Speed.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Queen of Peace Catholic church, Ocala Florida. Burial with military honors will take place at the Florida National Cemetery,  Bushnell, Florida. 

In lieu of flowers,  memorials preferred to Tunnel to Towers Foundation.