William Ott

William "Bill" Ott, age 78, of Fredericksburg, Iowa, died Friday December 22, 2023, at Whispering Willows Assisted Living inFredericksburg. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 6, 2024, at Hillcrest Baptist and Brethren Church in Fredericksburg with Pastor Scott Smith presiding. Interment with military honors will be in Rose Hill Cemetery in Fredericksburg. Friends may greet the family 4:00 - 7:00 p.m . Friday, January 5, 2024 at the Hugeback Johnson Funeral Home and Crematory in Fredericksburg. Visitation continues an hour before services at the church on Saturday. William Dean Ott was born February 24, 1945, in New Hampton, IA, the Son of James and Esther (Schult) Ott. Bill received his early education in Fredericksburg, graduating from high school with the Class of 1963. He went on to earn a BA from Northwest Missouri State, where fate smiled upon him, and he met his future wife, Helen Ruth Harvie Harmon. The college sweethearts married on June 17, 1966, and were blessed with two children, James William and Jessica Suzanne. Bill's love for his family was the cornerstone of his life, providing him joy and purpose. A patriot at heart, Bill was inducted into the United States Army on September 6, 1968. He served his country honorably at the Đồng Tâm Base Camp with the 9th Infantry Division in Vietnam, and afterward served in Hawaii. His time in the military was a testament to his character, strength, and commitment to the principles he held dear. Bill was honorably discharged from the United States Army on July 29, 1970. After his military service, Bill embarked on various entrepreneurial ventures. He and his business partner, Ron Kerr, ran a thriving egg business in Fredericksburg, showcasing Bill's knack for business and community engagement. Later, he took to the roads as an owner-operator of his trucking business, where his adventurous spirit was well-suited to the long drives and ever-changing landscapes. His work ethic also led him to roles at a propane company in Arkansas and as a security guard for the Hostess Company. Bill's interests were as varied as they were passionate. He loved the great outdoors, spending countless hours fishing (fly fishing later on), hunting, boating, and camping. These activities brought him closer to nature and provided cherished memories with family and friends. Bill and Helen shared a love for games and were regular participants in a card club, enjoying the camaraderie and friendly competition. A sports enthusiast, Bill relished watching football games, in particular, the Hawkeyes and the KC Chiefs, and he had a particular fondness for military movies and documentaries, which reflected his lifelong interest in history and service. Survivors include one son, Jamie (Virginia Pederson) Ott of Mt. Vernon, IA; one daughter, Jessica (Loanna Watkins) Ott of Lake Mary, FL; two granddaughters, Natalie Ott and Allison Ott; four step-grandchildren, Kollin (Ashton) Pederson, Hannah Pederson, Emma Pederson; one brother, Denny (Shirley) Ott of Fredericksburg; three nieces and many great, great-great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Helen, on February 19, 2019.