Rolland Lee Ott

Rolland Lee Ott, 87, of Benton Harbor, passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on Thursday, January 20, 2011. Mass of Christian Burial celebrating his life will be held at St. Bernard's Catholic Church, 555 E. Delaware Ave., Benton Harbor at 11:30, on Monday, January 24th. Visitation will precede the memorial service at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow the services at Calvary Cemetery in Benton Harbor where military honors will take place with the North Berrien Military Rites Team. Memorial donations may be made to St. John-St. Bernard Parish or Lakeland Hospice. Those wishing to sign Rolland's Memory Book may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Rolland was born, September 15, 1923, in Benton Harbor to Rollie and Lola (Hosbein) Ott. He graduated from Benton Harbor High School and went on to serve in the U.S. Army during WWII. While stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas he met and married the former Virginia Marshall on September 17, 1945. He was employed at Remington Rand Printing Company of Benton Harbor until they relocated. In 1964 he started Best Creative Printing Co. of Benton Harbor where he worked until his recent retirement. His family still operates the business today. He was a faithful member of St. Bernard's Catholic Church. Rolland spent his life as a devoted husband and father. His greatest joy was being together with his family. In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and collecting model trains. He is survived by his wife, Virginia; his daughter, Sharon Williamson of Palmer, Alaska; son Bob (Carla) of Watervliet; daughter, Teresa Fisher of Mandan, North Dakota; son Jerry of Coloma; and daughter Tammy (Rick) Gorzynski of Coloma; his grandchildren Jack (Cory), Jo Anna, Tyler (Lindsay), Tonya, Nathan (April), Shane (Katie), Lisa (Heath), Brad, Brian, Nick (Krysten), Adam, Amber, Eric and eight great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews; and his faithful canine companion Smokey. He was preceded in death by his parents Rollie and Lola; brothers Chet, Bob, and Jack; and two daughters, Shirley and MaryAnn.