Bert T. Ovitt Jr.

Obituary

Bert Theodore Ovitt, Jr. was born on August 14, 1947, in Cumberland, Wisconsin. He was the son of Bert T. Ovitt, Sr. and Gladys J. Elmberg. He was baptized as an infant in the Barronett Lutheran Church in Wisconsin. He received his education at Wildcat Elementary and Barronett Elementary in Wisconsin, Fountain Jr. High School in Fountain, Colorado, and Mt. Vernon High School in Alexandria, Virginia. He continued his education throughout his life, attending Military School for Infantry in Ft. Benning, Georgia and for Air Defense Artillery in Ft. Bliss, Texas, El Paso Community College in El Paso, Texas, Northwestern State University of Louisiana in Leesville and Fort Polk, Louisiana for General Studies, and Ridgewater College in Hutchinson, Minnesota for Computer Systems Technology.

Bert entered active military service in the U.S. Army in 1965 and served his country until he received an Honorable Discharge in 1985, and achieved the rank of Sergeant First Class. Bert served four tours in Vietnam, two tours in Germany as well as being stationed throughout the United States. He earned several ribbons, including the Purple Heart. Bert was proud to serve his country and supported anything that helped veterans and was a member of the American Legion.

In June of 1973, Bert was united in marriage to Janice Stafford. This marriage was blessed with one daughter, Crystal.

Bert enjoyed fishing. He was very knowledgeable with computers and computer programs and for a while he had his own Computer Store in Buffalo Lake, Minnesota, but had to close the store when his health deteriorated. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family, grandchildren and friends.

Bert passed away on Thursday, August 12, 2021, at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson, at the age of 73 years.

Blessed be his memory.

Bert is survived by his:
Daughter, Crystal (Dan) Ponder of Springfield, MO;
Grandchildren, Shaylyn Ferrer, Patrick Ponder, Noelle Ponder, Elijah Ponder;
Siblings, Bill (Linda) Ovitt of Athens, LA,
Sharon (Kevin) Stark of Buffalo Lake, MN,
Lana (Ron) Benson of Buffalo Lake, MN,
John (Judi) Ovitt of Hector, MN,
Dean (Mathew) Ovitt of Phoenix, AZ,
Terrance Ovitt and his wife, Kathy, of Palm Harbor, FL;
Nephews and Nieces, Chuck Chet, and Chris Ovitt, Carrie Pottenger, Lisa Barton, Mark Leutner, Alex and Evan Stark, Sheri, Ronnie and Steven Benson, Michael Ovitt, Sharon Hendrichs, Nicole Fernkes, Shelli Fernkes, Amanda Elfering, Christa Fernkes;
Many other relatives and friends.

Bert is preceded in death by his Parents, Bert and Gladys Ovitt; Sisters, Karen Pottenger and Wanda Wells; Sister-in-law, Jean Ovitt; Nephews, Jeff Pottenger, Curtis Pottenger, and Scott Johnson; and Great-niece, Remington Harder.