Michael J. Ott

Michael (Mike) Jacob Ott, of Livingston, MT passed away Saturday, June 8, 2024 surrounded by his immediate family.  He was 76 years old. 

Michel was born August 8, 1947, in Dickinson, ND to the late Joseph and Hazel (Wilson) Ott.  Mike grew up with 7 brothers and 3 sisters, it definitely made for a rowdy household.

Michael married Sherri Bierd on August 19, 1991 in Livingston, MT.  Pastor Richard of the First Baptist Church performed the ceremony in which he included a special moment for his stepdaughter, Candi (Bierd) Gartside so she could feel included in the ceremony.

Though Michael had only a third grade education, he was a jack of all trades and master of none. Michael worked for Hanser's Auto Wrecking & Salvage for many years.  He also worked at the Billings Sugar Factory as a forklift operator and stacker for several seasons.  Mike and a couple of his brothers would occasionally work the same sift and they would stack more product on their shift than most of the others.  Michael went to work for Chico Hot Springs in August of 1991.  He started out as a dishwasher at the Poolside Grill and would also help out in the housekeeping department doing laundry as needed. Later, he was transferred to maintenance, where he did many things from hauling wood to cabins and lodges and working on electrical repairs for the appliances.  He also cleaned the pools two days a week.  Of all the jobs he held, he enjoyed the maintenance department the most.  Mike became friends with Ron DeAnjelo, and had felt that the two had a great rapport.  He worked at Chico for 8 years.  Mike had lived in many places over the years, Dickinson, ND; Billings, MT; Mt. Laurel, MT; Salisha, MT; Fromberg, MT and finally in Livingston.

Michael enjoyed working with his hands, be it, working on vehicles, woodworking and building outdoor furniture.  He would sell the furniture or gift it to family and friends. Prior to his health decline, he was an avid hunter and fisherman.  He loved to camp with family and friends, but his favorite past time was teaching his grandson, Jacob Gartside, to work with his hands through using different tools to woodwork. He also enjoyed fishing with Jacob.  Mike talked about how he and his brothers would steal parts off of each other's vehichles, as they all drove  Chevy's.  Mike eventually bought a Ford. 

Mike is survived by his wife Sherri (Bierd) Ott, of Livingston; daughter, Candi (Bierd) Gartside and Grandson, Jacob Gartside, both of Livingston.  He is further survived by his siblings, Rosemary Chapel, of Herford, AZ; Fred (Ann) Ott of Billings; Joseph Ott, of Livingston; Arnold (Cheryle) Ott of Laurel, MT; Faith (Oscar) Carter of Elson, MO; Paul (Corinne) Ott of Hooper, UT; and Tina Ott of Laurel, MT.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Mikel and Elizabeth (Kessler) Ott, Jr; fraternal grandparents, Warren and Eva (Holden) Ott; son, Alexander Daniel Roberts and brothers, Jonathan, Pete and Mark Ott.  He also lost several of his beloved pets over the years, his Akita Godfrey, two pekingese, Pudge and Precious, along with two cats, Patches and Scotch. 

A celebration of life will be held in July.  A zoom link will be available for out of town guests so they are able to celebrate his life with us.

Cards and such can be sent to Franzen-Davis Funeral Home, PO Box 638, Livingston, MT 59047 or to the family at 1221 East Gallatin St. Livingston, MT 59047.

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