When Martin C. Ott was still in his teens, he began working for a major Chicago bank. That job led to a successful career in banking and later financial consulting. Mr. Ott, 91, of Lisle, a retired vice president of the First Bank of Oak Park, died Wednesday, Aug. 25, at Edward Hospital in Naperville, of natural causes. Born and raised on Chicago’s North Side, Mr. Ott also spent part of his childhood on his family’s farm in Gurnee. After graduating from St. Alphonsus High School in Chicago, he landed a job as an office boy at Continental Bank in Chicago. “He was the oldest of nine children,” said his son, Philip. “It was during the Depression, and he had to work to help support his family.” In 1942, Mr. Ott joined the Army as a technical sergeant in the Pacific theater during World War II. He received his military discharge 3 years later and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal. Upon his return to the States, Mr. Ott resumed his position with Continental Bank and later worked at Aetna State Bank and the River Forest State Bank before becoming the vice president of the First Bank of Oak Park. After he retired in the mid-1970s, Mr. Ott continued working for the bank as a consultant for several years. Mr. Ott was an avid freshwater fisherman and enjoyed taking long walks. He also was a devoted Cubs fan. Other survivors include a sister, Helen Heynssens. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of the services at 12:15 p.m. Saturday at Beidelman-Kunsch Funeral Home, 516 S. Washington St., Naperville. Mass will be said at 1 p.m. at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 820 S. Division St., Lisle.
