WILLIAM LOUIS OTTMANN, Jr.

William Louis Ottmann, Jr. passed away on February 28, 2023 at the Mission Point Nursing Facility in Ishpeming.

Bill was born in Ishpeming on April 7, 1935, to William and Marguerite (Tatrault). He graduated from IHS in 1953, served in the US Army (1958-60), Coast Guard, and Merchant Marines, and subsequently worked on the iron ore boats, where he occasionally navigated iron ore freighters in Great Lakes’ harbors. That distinction earned Bill the good-natured nickname “Captain’s Pet” from his mates. In retirement he lovingly cared for his parents, his Aunt Blanche (Ottmann), and cousin Steve Gleason.

Bill was a gentle soul with a fine sense of humor and a keen memory, the latter of which served him well as the family historian. He had a generous heart, and on occasion surprised his parents with exotic gifts from Europe, such as German glassware and Irish linens. Throughout his life Bill was an avid reader and maintained an interest in current events until the end. He will be missed.

Preceding Bill in death are his parents; brother, Jim; sister-in-law, Ann and their daughter, Jan; cousins, Larry Nault and Paula Olson; and friends, Daniel Harrington and Hartley Swanson. Survivors include niece, Joan (Ron) Rhoades and their sons, Jim and Steve; cousins, Pauline (Bill) Grawey, Blair (Lisa) Tatrault, Joseph Tatrault (Susie Hoffmann), Audrey Pettersen (Gary Nelson), Jerry (Etta) Simula, Tom (Cindy) Simula, Albert (Beverly) Nault, Stephen (Sarah) Nault, and Mary Brigid Dickson, Larry Nault’s daughters, Barbara Henderek and Brigid Nault; and special friends, Roy Dymond, Bill Terres, and Victor Valente.

Special thanks to the Mission Point Nursing Facility staff for their caregiving efforts throughout the past few years.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, March 6, 2023 at 11 am at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church with Rev. Ryan Ford officiating.  Visitation will be held in the church from 10 am until the time of the Mass.  Interment with military honors will be held in the Ishpeming Cemetery in the spring.  Bill’s Funeral Mass will be livestreamed at https://my.gather.app/remember/william-ottmann-jr

Canale & Pennock Funeral Service is assisting the family where memories may be shared at canalepennock.com

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