Donald E. Ott's Obituary
Dr. Donald E. Ott (Don), age 82, passed into the arms of his Lord and Savior surrounded by his family on Monday, September 12, 2022. He was born on June 28, 1940 in Muskegon, Michigan to Herbert and Minnie (Poe) Ott. Don married Joy Oslund on June 9, 1962. He earned his Bachelors and Masters degrees from the University of Michigan. Don had a passion for education and was a successful entrepreneur, co-founding Structural Concepts Corp. in 1972 and starting Interior Concepts Corp. in 1992. He was known for his brilliant and creative mind and for offering opportunities to many people in whom he saw hidden potential. Don earned an Honorary Doctorate in Business Management from Indiana Wesleyan University, where he served on the Board of Trustees for 27 years. He was heavily involved in All Shores Wesleyan Church, where he served on the LBA and Building Committee for many years. He had a lifelong love for music, especially playing the piano. His other hobbies included cooking, archaeology, NASCAR, fishing, boating, and telling jokes. Don and Joy enjoyed spending winters in South Fort Myers, Florida. Wherever he was, Don loved walking and talking to all the people he met along his travels. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Joy; children, Laurel Davis and Jeff (Debbie) Ott; grandchildren, McKenna Davis (Jeremy) Breddan, Conor Davis, and Evan Davis, and Johannah Ott (Trevor) Sherman, Jacson Ott, and Jamerson Ott; brother, Richard (Barb) Ott; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00AM on Saturday, September 17 at The Lee Chapel of Systema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI, 49444. Visitation will be held Friday, September 16 from 5:00 – 8:00PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Spring Hill Camps in Evart, MI or Indiana Wesleyan University in Don’s memory. Please feel free to sign the online guestbook at www.systemafh.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Donald?
What’s a lesson you learned from Donald?
Share a story where Donald's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Donald you’ll never forget.
How did Donald make you smile?
