Stephen Ott
August 25, 1953 - October 24, 2019
Obituary
Stephen W. Ott, age 66, of Freeland, went home to be with his Lord on Thursday, October 24, 2019. The son of William and Renata Ott, Stephen was born on August 25, 1953, in Flint, Michigan.
Steve attended Concordia, River Forest, graduating with his Bachelor's Degree in Education. He later went on to earn his Master's Degree in Administration. Steve married Donna Paris on October 21, 1978. Steve was a teacher and principal in the Lutheran school system for 15 years, serving in Reed City, MI, Chicago, IL, Sheboygan, WI, and Boulder, CO, before eventually returning to his home state of Michigan. Steve then became a financial advisor with Thrivent for over 20 years. Lutheran education was a lifelong passion for Steve, which he continued after his career in education by serving as a member of the Board of Directors for Valley Lutheran High School. He also loved the outdoors, often enjoying it while hunting, fishing, and golfing. He was a dedicated spectator at his grandkids' sporting events. Steve's biggest priority and passion in life was his family, especially spending time with his grandchildren.
Steve is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Donna Ott; children, Nathanael Ott, Jared (Vicki) Ott, and Abigail (John) French; grandchildren, Darius Ott, Abbey and Brady Alverson, Lilliana and Corinne French; siblings, Timothy (Lois) Ott, Kathleen Eisman, and Christine (Ken) Gremel; brother-in-law, Larry (Margie) Paris; sister-in-law, Becky (Dan) Schmarje; mother-in-law, Betty Paris; several nieces, nephews, and friends. Steve was preceded in death by his parents, William and Renata Ott; father-in-law, Owen Paris; and brother-in-law, Jerry Eisman.
Visitation will take place Tuesday, October 29, 2019, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Fischer Family Funeral Home, 504 N. Michigan Ave., Saginaw, MI 48602. Visitation will continue on Wednesday, October 30, 2019, at Peace Lutheran Church, 3427 Adams Ave., Saginaw, MI 48602, from 10:00 a.m. until time of Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. Rev. Matthew Hauser will officiate.
Memorials in honor of Steve may be made to Valley Lutheran High School, 3560 McCarty Rd., Saginaw, MI 48603.
For information, please call (989) 755-8277. To express your condolences, please visit www.fischerfuneral.com.
Steve attended Concordia, River Forest, graduating with his Bachelor's Degree in Education. He later went on to earn his Master's Degree in Administration. Steve married Donna Paris on October 21, 1978. Steve was a teacher and principal in the Lutheran school system for 15 years, serving in Reed City, MI, Chicago, IL, Sheboygan, WI, and Boulder, CO, before eventually returning to his home state of Michigan. Steve then became a financial advisor with Thrivent for over 20 years. Lutheran education was a lifelong passion for Steve, which he continued after his career in education by serving as a member of the Board of Directors for Valley Lutheran High School. He also loved the outdoors, often enjoying it while hunting, fishing, and golfing. He was a dedicated spectator at his grandkids' sporting events. Steve's biggest priority and passion in life was his family, especially spending time with his grandchildren.
Steve is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Donna Ott; children, Nathanael Ott, Jared (Vicki) Ott, and Abigail (John) French; grandchildren, Darius Ott, Abbey and Brady Alverson, Lilliana and Corinne French; siblings, Timothy (Lois) Ott, Kathleen Eisman, and Christine (Ken) Gremel; brother-in-law, Larry (Margie) Paris; sister-in-law, Becky (Dan) Schmarje; mother-in-law, Betty Paris; several nieces, nephews, and friends. Steve was preceded in death by his parents, William and Renata Ott; father-in-law, Owen Paris; and brother-in-law, Jerry Eisman.
Visitation will take place Tuesday, October 29, 2019, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Fischer Family Funeral Home, 504 N. Michigan Ave., Saginaw, MI 48602. Visitation will continue on Wednesday, October 30, 2019, at Peace Lutheran Church, 3427 Adams Ave., Saginaw, MI 48602, from 10:00 a.m. until time of Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. Rev. Matthew Hauser will officiate.
Memorials in honor of Steve may be made to Valley Lutheran High School, 3560 McCarty Rd., Saginaw, MI 48603.
For information, please call (989) 755-8277. To express your condolences, please visit www.fischerfuneral.com.
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Memories
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Todd M. Hubert
Other •
Nate; My sympathies to you and your family on Steve's death. I would have gone to the funeral had i known, but I just found out by google search. Don't listen to Jared, GO STATE! After the AAL/LB merger, quite a few reps found it really hard to treat me nice, being LB and all. Your father always treated me with respect and an equal and I enjoyed my limited time with him. Although I did not know him super well, I knew him well enough to know he was the real deal. I am sure he has a 9 iron in his hand right now! Todd Hubert
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Lois Ott
Other •
Perfect conversation with your dad Jared. I know he heard you heart
JO
jared ott
Other •
Dad .. it’s jared... memories we have together are never ending.... but tonight.. Michigan just beat the crap out of notre dame...like it should be... and last night.. valley won big.. Darius had 2 INT with a pick 6... I know you were here for both:.. we love you... thank you for everything you gave to us... P.S. Please tell God to forgive Nate and Abbi for being spartan fans... sorry you made them.., go blue
PK
Phil Kershner
Other •
My heart goes out to all of Steve's family. As Sigmund Freud said, "The loved ones left behind must pay dearly for the happiness they have known." But you would not have it any other way.
I first met Steve at Concordia Teacher's College in River Forest, IL. We quickly became friends despite his being a Michigan fan. :) He came out to my house in the Los Angeles area one year after Christmas and we went to the Rose Bowl game together.
Steve was incredibly generous, always willing to talk, always willing to take friends who didn't have cars out to eat in his muscle car (Dodge Charger if I'm not mistaken), and always willing to serve the college community in one way or another.
Steve and I lost touch with each other for a long time after college. I'm glad we reconnected in the last year or so. We had some great conversations in this last year I will always treasure along with the memories from college.
RIP my friend. You have fought the good fight. And I'm not only talking about the battle with cancer.
MB
Martha J Britton
Other •
Years ago, Steve joked with me about a full-length fur coat I was wearing at a Thrivent event. Ironically, it was a coat Bob had bid on, and won, at the Valley Lutheran Auction. He was a kind and friendly soul. It was great to reconnect with Steve these last few years for VLHS football. Your faithful presence in the stands will be missed, Steve.
KB
Kevin Brockberg
Other •
The Brockberg family honors Steve’s love for Lutheran Schools with a memorial for Valley Lutheran High School. Steve’s love for the Lord is his final rest and eternal joy with Jesus Christ.