Date Of Birth: October 6, 1934
Date Of Death: June 16, 2009
Russell J. Ott, 74, Indianapolis, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, June 16th. He was born in Chicago, Illinois on October 6, 1934 to vaudevillian parents Charles and Hattie Ott. Russell spent 11 years in the US Air Force as a radar repair technician on B-24’s. He was always proud of the fact that he went to Antarctica five times. His electronics and mechanical skills led him to start his own business in 1968 repairing CB radios. This developed into Comtronix Corporation which he has owned and operated for the last forty-one years. He was a licensed multi-engine pilot and flew his own airplane to Europe and a multitude of trips to the Bahamas, Dominican Republic and Mexico. During the last 17 years, he spent much of his time at his cabin in the north woods of Minnesota where he made friends with and enjoyed feeding black bears.Russell had a head full of knowledge and humor which he shared with everyone. He was responsible for encouraging many to start their own businesses and many others to get their pilot’s license (including his wife). He looked for adventure everywhere while taking all of us along for the ride – and what a wonderful ride it was. He is survived by his wife, Cathleen; four daughters, Sandra K Rusk, Pamela F McCarrel, Cathleen M Stein, Anette Ott-Sirico, one step-son, Ron Bland, Jr , grandchildren Jordan and Andrea McCarrel, Corbin Ott, ChloeÂ’ and Mira Sirico, Adam Orth, and Olivia Rusk. A visitation and celebration of Russell’s life will be held on Saturday, June 20th from 10:00 – 12:00 with the celebration of his life to follow at the Harry W Moore Mortuary, 8161 Allisonville Rd., Indianapolis. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate contributions be made to: North American Bear Center, PO Box 161, Ely MN 55731
Michelle Atkinson says
Wow. He sounds like an amazing man who accomplished some great things. No wonder Pam is so awesome. My thoughts are with your family. I hope you have many happy memories to carry you through these times.
Cecilia Ford says
Dear Cathy, Pamela, Jordan, Andrea, and family,
We are so sorry to hear of the death of Russell. We know he was a beloved person by all who knew him and that your loss is great. Know that our family is lifting yours upward with our prayers for peace and wonderful memories to carry you in the days ahead.
Love, Cecilia, Nelson and Connor
Greg Thomas says
Russell and our family go way back. My father, Jim Thomas (deceased 1977) was one of the first manufacturers’ reps to sell Russell “factory direct” a major line when he was launching his business career in two-way radio.
We went on to have a great time doing business together for many, many years. Russell was fun, smart, and always enjoyable to visit with.
While only 10 years apart, Russell always felt he should help mentor me in my business career. I received much wise advice from him over the years.
I will always be grateful for the substantial business we did together that helped lay the foundation for my own financial success and ability to retire relatively early.
You’ll be missed old friend, but NEVER forgotten. And I have to say to his dear wife, Cathy, his children, and his business staff, thank you all for always being so kind and considerate. My heart goes out to all of you in your grief.
May the good Lord watch over you all and attend to your hearts in this sorrowful time.
Patty Baker says
Russell you will be missed by so many friends and family.Want an amazing man you will always be in my prayers and soul, the best father figure I had ever had. My prayers are with your family.Russell you taught so many people so many things about life. I love you.
Joseph Benson says
I can remember Russ as far back as I can remember. His Presence was always something I enjoyed. As a kid, his tales were like high-adventure. He was just a great guy and I miss him already.
My very best wishes and deepest condolences to you all.
– Joe Benson
Penny Benson Rahr says
Joan Gregoire formerly Hillring says
Dear Ott Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Russell’s passing. I have many fond memories of Russell’s excitement for life and his sense of humor. He will always be in my heart. My condolences to all of you and thank you for posting such wonderful photos in the guestbook – I always remember his smiles!!
Rev James McKinney says
n++CHRISTIANS UNITED CHURCH
at Soldiers’ Memorial Chapel
5626 Lawton Loop East
Indianapolis, IN 46216
Pastor’s Telephone: 317-849-4047
E-mail: kmac41@comcast.net
Dear Family,
The congregation of Soldiers’ Memorial Chapel wants you to know that we
prayed for you today and for the soul of your loved one.
It is our desire to give spiritual support and appreciation for all who have served
our country.
Now he is with the Lord victorious.
Forever Faithful,
James A. McKinney
Chaplain/Pastor
Kelly Remy says
Our thoughts and prayers to your family. Love, Kelly Remy and family (friend of Pam)
Adam Wayneand Diane Orth says
He will be greatly missed. My Dad always enjoyed visiting and speaking with Russell.We will never forget the year that he picked us up and drove us into the cabin in the snow cat. And the many other things he did for us. He will be greatly missed by us all.
Lynn Rogers says
Russ was my friend and a friend of bears. He had the sensitivity and open-mindedness to gain the trust of wild bears and learn more about their behavior and personalilties than most biologists ever do. It was a joy to share bear experiences with Russ over the years. He was a friend of the North American Bear Center to the end, wanting others to know the truth about black bears. He was a true friend, and I will miss him. My heart goes out to Cathy.
Lauri Hohman says
What a joy it was to meet Russell . He was one-of-a-KIND! How does so much personality, talent and intelligence get put into one person? Well for sure all that makes for a wonderful, smart, fun man! He is still soaring somewhere!!
Love joy peace Russell until we meet again 😉
Lauri Hohman
Tom Hillring says
Dear Ott Family,
I first met Russell at Donaldson AFB, SC. We were radio and radar repair technicians on C-124 aircraft. Russell’s unique traits and abilities were evident even then and his successes in life are well deserved.
During the time I worked at Comtronix, I had the good fortune to fly with Russ in his Grand Commander on many occasions.
Russell will be missed, but the fond memories will always remain.
Sven Hillring says
Being an avid collector of militaria, I still tell people about the time Russ came up out of his basement/armory with a cigar in his mouth, a full clip in one hand and his M1 rifle in the other. “Come on Sven, we’re going in the back yard.” He let me fire 5 rds. It was quite a rush for a 12 year old!
Maureen Tevlin says
My deepest condolences to Cathy and family. Although I never met Russ, since we live in NJ, I talked to him often when I would call Cathy. He was always nice and certainly a gentleman.
Jim Edrie Martin says
The “formation” at the memorial service bespoke Russ’s keen judgement of character. I think we all helped one another to cope with his departure in many ways. What a wonderful life !
Tim Johnston says
Hi Cathy, Annette, and Ron,
Sorry to hear about your dad. I have fond memories of trips over to your house and seeing the things he was doing….pictures on the computer, trains, etc.
God bless you and your families
Tim Johnston
Miriam Christel says
Russ will be missed. I have many happy and funny memories of him. Russ was truly one of a kind. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Lavonne Christensen says
The music nights will be with me forever! The Stony River cabin aglow, stars lighting the night sky, the river running silently, the generator humming and the piano music blasting from the computer!! Hour after hour of piano and songs, dancing, listening, smiling & laughing: joy and happiness abound! Thank you Russell!! And Cathy too for all your patience! Those memories are with me forever. Love You Russell and Cathy
moira sommers says
Keeping you all in my prayers…
Moira
Judy Rutter says
Cathy & family: I was deeply saddened to learn of Russels’ passing. I will alway remember his wit, humor and generous spirit. He was a caring, loving person who accomplished a great deal and touched many lives during his lifetime. Ron and he were more than friends and businiss associates, they were brothers in the true since of the word. I pray they are together today soaring in the heavens. To his family, I pray the joy of having him in your lives will far out way the sorrow. God Bless. Judy Rutter
Jim and Judy Brandenburg says
Dear Cathy and family, We are so sorry to hear about Russ. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We always enjoyed our visits to your cabin. Russell’s love of nature was wonderful to see. We will miss him. With our deepest sympathy!
Ken Hane says
Russell was a great guy, and I will always remember him fondly. He welcomed me years ago into his business, his home, and among his family, and provided me a number of memories that will last through my lifetime.
His outlook on life, business, personal relationships and more were inspirational, and he expressed it all with a gentle irascibility I’ve not known since. I’ve not seen him in over twenty five years, but I think about his words, retell some of stories, explain to others about his view of things, and use his advice regularly to this very day.
I had the urge to call him last fall, and we enjoyed a long chat and enjoyed sharing some mutual memories. I’m glad we had that opportunity.
Most people walk on the ’beach of life’ and leave footprints that don’t last much past the next wave that washes up. The impressions that Russell has left on our lives, though, will live on forever.
Marty Wohlford says
Coral just came into my room at Serenity and asked, “Whatever happened to Russell Ott?” I googled, and was sorry to find that he recently passed. We have such wonderful memories of your family on the island…taking care of the kids, the “big bird” spoof…those were great years. I’m still here…a lot has changed, but our memories of Russell are still fresh…I can still picture him on the stool at the yacht club with the picture of him and the bird foot on the wall. What a hoot that was…and how mad Lucille got! Take care, and God bless all of you!
Marty and family