Richard Ott, 86

Richard “Dick” Ott of Kalispell passed away on Aug. 3, 2018, at Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell with his family at his side.

Richard was born on Sept. 8, 1931, in Bemidji, Minnesota, to Elsie and Emil Ott, the seventh of 10 children.

Richard was married to Barbara Friske on Jan. 23, 1954, in Columbia Falls and they’ve been married for 64 years.

He attended school and grew up in Bemidji, moving to Columbia Falls in 1948. He worked for Plum Creek Lumber and in 1950 joined the Army as a combat engineer serving in the Occupation of Japan and then the Korean War from 1951 until October 1952. He was awarded the Occupation of Japan Medal, Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal and the Combat Infantry Badge and was very proud of his service to his country.

Upon his return from the service he went to work at Anaconda Aluminum Company until 1961 and then owned and operated the Columbia Falls Chevron Service until 1977. He then went to work at Columbia Falls School District 6 at the maintenance department and worked there until he retired in 1993.

Richard enjoyed fishing, camping and golfing at Village Greens with his lunch buddies. He loved his family and enjoyed spending time with his grandsons whenever he could.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters and four brothers and his grandson Josh.

He is survived by his wife Barbara, sister Judy Campbell, brothers Glenn Ott (Jane) and Emil Jr. Ott and daughter Dianne (Bitney), Kalispell, and a son Michael Ott of Denver; grandchildren Kyle Bitney, Cory (Lucy) Bitney, Brandon Ott; and great-granddaughter Olivia Ott. A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 11, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home with a reception to follow. Burial will be at 2 p.m. Aug. 11 at Woodlawn Cemetery with military honors by Montana Army National Guard, funeral honors and United Veterans of the Flathead Valley.

Friends are encouraged to visit the website, www.buffalohillfh., to leave notes of condolence for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.