Valentine Ott

Valentine "Val" Ott, 95, passed away in his sleep on Sunday, November 16, 2014 at the Riverstone Hospice House. He was born January 21, 1919 in Estavan, Saskatchewan, Canada, the son of Felix and Mathilde (Michel) Ott. He was one of thirteen brothers and sisters. In 1922 his parents moved the family to Fromberg, MT where his family farmed until the end of the Great Depression. Val enlisted in the army in 1940 and served his country at Honolulu, HI before the Pearl Harbor attack. He returned to Montana after medical treatment. He worked with the Northern Pacific Railroad in Laurel, MT for 20 years. Being a hardworking and ambitious man his whole life, Val began construction of one motel, then a second, an apartment complex, houses, a mini mall and two fast food restaurants - the original Big Dipper Drive-In which he operated until 1977. He finally retired at age 80. He married Frances M. Schmidt, the love of his life, on Valentine's Day in 1942 and celebrated their 72 wedding anniversary this year. Val enjoyed outdoor activities later in life - snowmobiling and racing, downhill skiing and golfing with his immediate family. Val took great pride in his grandchildren, Roby and Stefani. He helped his grandson in pro MX racing and his granddaughter in pursuing her golf career. Val liked the bright lights of Las Vegas during vacations. Val was preceded in death by his parents and 10 brothers and sisters too numerous to mention. He is survived by his son, Bob Ott (Joy) and two grandchildren, Roby Ott and Stefani Ott Fournier. Also by numerous relatives in Montana; his brother, Michael Ott (Delphene) from California; and his sister, Annie Rekdal of Billings. The family would like to give a very special thank you to Riverstone Health and Riverstone Hospice House for the fine care and comfort provided to Dad by the nurses and support staff during his final days. Funeral mass will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday at St. Patrick Co-Cathedral with burial in Sunset Memorial Gardens to follow. In lieu of flowers, please support Patient Care of Riverstone Health and Hospice House. Donations may be made to Riverstone Health, 123 South 27th Street in Billings, MT 59101-4200.