Curtis J. “Curt” Ottmar of Hermiston died on Oct. 15, 2019 in Richland, Wash. at the age of 75.
He was born on Dec. 22, 1943 in Spokane, Wash. to Jacob F. and Helen L. Gerlack Ottmar, whose parents and siblings immigrated to the United States through Ellis Island, N.Y.
Curt was raised on the family farms in eastern Washington and northern Idaho. He participated in sports and graduated from Colfax High School in the class of 1962. Curt attended Washington State University before returning to farming. He married Carol Van Schoiack and they moved to their farm on Buttercreek in 1966, and have lived in Hermiston since. They purchased Shelco Electric in 1984 and have expanded the business over the years, working in northeast Oregon and southeastern Washington.
Curt was a member of the Masonic Lodge, York Rite, Shriners and had been a member of the First Christian Church. He enjoyed woodworking, making cabinetry, waterskiing and scuba diving, was an avid Trail Blazer Fan, enjoyed spending time in the mountains, and most of all he loved spending time with his family. Curtis loved his family and was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle and friend.
He is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Carol Ottmar, Hermiston; sons; Timothy Ottmar and Brent Ottmar and his wife Heather, all of Hermiston; sister, JoAnn (Ray) Story of Pullman, Wash.; five grandchildren; four great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Curt was preceded in death by his parents.
A celebration of life service will be held on Monday, Oct. 28, 2019 at 2 p.m. at Burns Mortuary Chapel, Hermiston.
A private family burial will be held at the Hermiston Cemetery.
Those who wish may make contributions in Curt’s memory to the Shriners Hospital, www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/portland/ways-to-give.
Please share memories of Curt with his family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
