Rick K. Ott

Rick Keith Ott, 63, 22753 Finch Ave., Clear Lake, died Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2014, at St. Mary’s Hospital, Rochester, Minn., surrounded by his loving family, due to injuries sustained from a work accident on Dec. 15, 2014.  

A memorial service was held on Saturday, Dec. 27, at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, with the Rev. Dennis Ganz officiating.  Following the service, there was a “Rick” style celebration at the Hub, Clear Lake.   Memorials may be given to the Rick Ott Memorial Fund.  

Rick was born Oct. 9, 1951, in Mason City, Iowa, the son of Donald and Verna (Pringnitz) Ott.  He graduated from Clear Lake High School in 1970.  While in high school, he was one of the first to qualify for state wrestling.  He graduated from NIACC, where he played football and wrestled.

Rick married Linda Collins on June 23, 1973, in Clear Lake.  He worked for Tom Thumb, later known as Liqui-Grow, since 1973, where he worked alongside his brother for over 42 years. 

  In 1980 he built his own log home with no prior construction experience, where the family still resides.

     In 1984 Rick and Linda went to Bogota, Colombia to adopt their daughter, Angie, and in 1987 went back and adopted their son, Brady.  In 2006, the family took a trip back to Bogota to learn about and celebrate the beginnings of their family.

     Rick loved the outdoors, flying kites, and was very involved in Boy Scouts, where he took various outdoor trips with his son, Brady, to the St. Croix River and the Boundary Waters.  He loved live music, and he had the “best seat” in the house while operating the spotlights at the Surf Ballroom.  Even with his hectic work schedule he rarely missed a special event for Angie or Brady.  Rick’s family was his greatest joy.

Rick is survived by his wife, Linda Ott, Clear Lake; two children, Angie Ott and Brady Ott, Clear Lake; twin sister, Vickey Ott, Bland, Mo.; brother, Rod “Rock” (Barbara) Ott, Clear Lake; sister-in-law, Becky (Don) Erickson, Ames, Iowa; brother-in-law, Dr. Chad (Dawn) Collins, Hampton, Iowa; nieces and nephews, Amber (Torrey) Johnson, Casee Erickson, Taylor, Carter and Chase Collins; and great nephews, Elliott and Winston Johnson.

     Rick was preceded in death by his father and mother; brother, Terry Ott; father- and mother-in-law, Keith and Revena Collins; and brother-in-law, Denny Collins.

Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.