Charles "Chuck" Raymond Ott

Charles Raymond (Chuck) Ott, age 91, formerly of Deer River, passed away in Eden Prairie, MN, the morning of December 27, 2025. Chuck was preceded in death by his wife Sharon (Sanger) Ott, his parents Wilbert Ott Sr. and Florence (Rydholm) Ott, his sisters Joyce (Ott) Harwood and Selma Ott, and brother Wilbert (Fred) Ott Jr.

Chuck was born in Nashwauk, MN, on June 8, 1934, to parents Wilbert (Bert) and Florence Ott. Bert owned the pharmacy in Nashwauk before buying Sampson and Ollerman Prescription Druggists of Deer River and relocating the family in 1937. Chuck was educated in Deer River and was active in many sports during his high school years, including football, basketball, and baseball. Chuck was a certified water safety instructor and taught many area youths how to swim in the 1950s. He graduated from Deer River High School in 1952. After stops at St. Cloud State University and the University of Minnesota, Chuck enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in November 1954, where he served as a navigator on a B-36 “Peacemaker” until his discharge from active duty in 1960, ultimately attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Air National Guard. He married Sharon Sanger in Deer River on March 21,1959. Chuck and Sharon moved to Minneapolis in 1961, where he returned to the University of Minnesota and received his Doctor of Dental Surgery in May 1965. Chuck practiced dentistry for a year in Mayville, ND, before returning home to Deer River in 1966. He established Deer River Dental Clinic that year and served as the town’s dentist until his retirement in 1994.

Chuck was a strong believer in giving back to the community he loved, and he spent many years on the Deer River City Council (including a term as Mayor) and the I.S.D. 317 School Board. Chuck joined Chippewa Lodge #275 in 1957 and remained active with various lodge roles throughout his life. He was a lifelong member of the Deer River Lions Club and served as Governor of District 5M10 for Lions International from 1987-1988. Chuck helped organize the Deer River Wild Rice Festival for many years and was active calling BINGO for the Lions well into his 80s. He was a member of Deer River American Legion Post 122 for 51 years. A lifelong fan of youth sports, Chuck was involved in the formation of Deer River’s Pony League Football and Basketball programs and coached many teams in the 1970s and 1980s. Chuck was a member of the Deer River United Methodist Church his entire life and served as Treasurer for many years. Chuck loved to sing and was a member of Blandin Male Chorus during his retirement years. When they weren’t in Deer River, Chuck and Sharon enjoyed spending time at their cabin on Sand Lake, which remains in the family today. Chuck was a great family man and spending time with his children and grandchildren brought him true joy. Moving to the Twin Cities after Sharon’s death in June 2021 afforded him more quality time with family.

Chuck will be missed by his remaining family, including brother Gerald (Gerry), daughter Lisa (Jeff) Ott Ray, and sons Chip (Angie) and Dave (Heather). Chuck was loved by his grandchildren, Lexie (Jordan) Jass, Lucas (Ali) Ray, Connor Ott, Andy Ott, and Maggie Ott, and his great-grandchildren, Livia and Greyson Jass, and Emmett Ray. Chuck also leaves behind many beloved Ott (Connie, Shiela, Fred, Bob, Steve, Carol, Lindsey, Doug, Jaye, and Chris), Harwood (Sally, Sandy, Ed, and Paul), and Uhde (Terry, Patty, Tom and Matt) nieces and nephews.

The family is planning a visitation and memorial service at Deer River United Methodist Church on Saturday, May 16, 2026. Interment will be at Pine Grove Cemetery in Max, MN. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donating to either the Deer River Lions Club or Deer River United Methodist Church.

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