Gerry Allen Ott

Gerry Allen Ott, 56, of South Bend, Indiana, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away unexpectedly at Saint Joseph Medical Center on Friday, March 12th.  Gerry is survived by his husband, Scott Wilson, 53; daughter Danielle Ott, 34; son, Jordan Ott, 32; and grandson, Paxton Holdeman, 8 all of Goshen. He is also survived by his mother, Suzanne Sharp Robinette in Bryan, Ohio; and 2 sisters, Connie Fox of Kalamazoo and Tina Miller of Kendallville.  Gerry grew up in Goshen, Indiana, and spent the majority of his life there, attending Goshen High School, raising a family and then working as a plant manager of Excel Rubber.  In 2011, he took on a new endeavor and opened Mishawaka Antiques with his husband Scott and that’s when he bloomed and came out of his shell. 

  It was the joy of everyone around him to see Gerry really come into his element in most recent years. His creativity and ability to create with his hands really flourished, and was evident in the furniture pieces, upcycled projects, and repurposed treasures he created. 

Gerry's heart and desire to experience life grew even bigger at the birth of his grandson, Paxton, who he loved to talk about and show off pictures of. He cherished Paxton, along with his fur babies, CJ and Gemma, who all turned him into a big softie and helped him show off his gentle spirit and generous heart even more. 

Travel and new experiences fueled Gerry. Whether it be a trip to New Orleans, Las Vegas, or even the casino, it was always fun to see how excited he would get. He truly had the appreciation for discovering new things like a child would. Seeing Gerry enthralled made those around him feel joy. He and Scott created many memories over their lifetime together. Their adventurous spirits complimented each other well, and when you saw the two of them arrive you knew a good time was going to be had. 

Gerry felt passionate about so many things: Notre Dame Football, animals, and most especially, his family and friends. Gerry always chose kindness. He always chose to be gentle. He always chose to see the best in people. And because of that, we are all better for knowing him. Witnessing Gerry take chances and choose happiness in his life has been an inspiration to so many. 

The void left by Gerry's absence is felt deeply, which is proof that he lived his life exactly how one should, full of love, free of regrets, and with a gentle heart ready to bring comfort to anyone. 

There are no words to say how much Gerry will be missed. His heart, his personality, and his energy were incredibly pure. He never wanted to hurt and only wanted to help the people close to him. 

He made a difference. 

“In one of those stars I shall be living. In one of them I shall be laughing. And so it will be as if all the stars were laughing when you look at the sky at night. And when your sorrow is comforted (time soothes all sorrows) you will be content that you have known me. You will always be my friend...I shall not leave you.”

No services will be held.  Hahn Funeral Home has been entrusted with handling the arrangements.

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