Vernon Walter Ott

Vernon Walter Ott, born April 16, 1929, passed away peacefully in Victorville, California on February 19, 2025. He spent his early years in the small town of Heil, North Dakota. His family moved west to Hardin, Montana, in 1938.

Vern graduated from Hardin High School. He was a member of the Bulldog basketball team who were the Montana State Champions, Class B in 1948 and 1949. After high school he earned a degree in Pharmacy at the University of Montana at Missoula.

After college Vern went to Officer Candidate School and received his commission as an Ensign in the US Navy. He spent most of his time in the Navy at Lakehurst Naval Air Station, New Jersey in a Helicopter squadron as an administrative officer. He served during the time of the Korean War. Vern noted that he was in the Navy 4 years, 6 months, and 14 days.

After serving his country, Vern began his career as a Pharmacist in Billings, Montana. In 1956, while working at Bennett Drugstore he began a friendship with the bookkeeper, Gayle Thompson. They were married at Trinity Lutheran Church in December 1957. In 1959 they opened their own Pharmacy in the Gorham Park area of Billings.

Vern and Gayle sold their pharmacy in 1965 and moved to Anaheim, California, to be near Gayle’s sister. Vern continued his pharmacy career, eventually becoming an officer in the pharmacy division of Lucky Stores.

Vern and Gayle moved to Hesperia, California in 1985 and joined Faith Lutheran Church. He was very active at his church, holding various positions including serving as an Elder for almost 20 years. He was the President of the congregation during the construction of the new sanctuary that was finished in 2001. Faith Lutheran was his home church for 40 years. Vern was a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ and his strong faith was evident in his walk with Him.

He was always very committed to Gayle, including over the last year of her life, as he was her main caregiver in an “at home Hospice” situation. He was very family-oriented, and a great source of thoughtfulness and kindness. He was compassionate, giving, humble, interesting to talk with, and easy to laugh.

Vern was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years Gayle (Thompson) Ott, parents Walter and Marie (Ketterling) Ott, and his sisters Bernice (Ott) Taves [William F. Taves], and Dian (Ott) Gumpf [Ralph E. Gumpf, Jr.]. Many nieces, nephews and dear friends mourn his passing.