Fr. Ott, Ottumwa native, dies

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Fr. Ott

Father William Richard “Dick” Ott, SJ, a native of the Diocese of Davenport, died July 15 at the Josie Harper Hospice House in Omaha.
Fr. Ott was born July 6, 1942, to William and Martha Ott in Ottumwa. He attended St. Patrick’s Elementary and Walsh High School before attending Creighton University in Omaha. He became a Jesuit in 1963 and was ordained a priest in 1972. His college education included attendance at the University of Iowa, and he attained numerous degrees in the fields of theology and physics.
His science teaching assignments included Creighton Prep School and John Carroll University. He traveled to Bolivia where, for two years, he and other international scientists developed a seismology laboratory in the Bolivian Andes. Upon his return he headed the Seismology Laboratory in Weston, Mass. During the last 10 years, he was a chaplain at Creighton University Hospital.
The funeral visitation, wake and service were held on July 20 and 21 at St. John Church, Creighton University. The Mass was officiated by Superior Jesuit Father Greg O’meara and concelebrated by 24 of his fellow senior Jesuits. Burial was at the Holy Sepulcher Cemetery for Jesuits in Omaha.
Memorials can be made to Creighton PREP, 7400 Western Ave., Omaha, Neb. 68114 or to St. Patrick Catholic Church in Ottumwa.
The family hopes to celebrate a memorial Mass at St. Patrick Church at a future date.


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