
Joseph Arthur Gottron, 90, of Fremont, Ohio passed away at his home surrounded by his loving family on December 3, 2022. He was born on March 1, 1932, in Fremont to Arthur and Grace (Smith) Gottron. He graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1950. He served in the U.S. Navy as an Armament Installer II from May 18, 1951 to March 8, 1955. He married the love of his life, Annie Widman, on October 23, 1954. They recently celebrated their 68th anniversary together.
Joe was known for his great smile and fun-joking personality. He was a natural born salesman. His first job after military service was selling appliances at Geller’s. He sold radio advertising for WFRO and then worked with cousins at the Gottron Brothers Company. His last occupation was as a Manufacturer’s Rep in the State of Ohio for Duro-Last Roofing. Joe, and three of his sons, have had a profound positive impact on the growth and success of Duro-Last over the last 40 years. Although he had a very successful professional career, his higher priorities in life were his Catholic faith, family, friends, and his hobbies. He frequently and proudly shared that Annie and he had “a basketball team and two cheerleaders”. He was incredibly proud of his entire family, which included 18 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren (with one more expected this month). He was a life-long member of St. Joseph Parish and was a 4th Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus. He was also a member of the Elks Club (where he always enjoyed playing poker) and a member of the Port Clinton Yacht Club (where he docked his SportCraft fishing boat, “Gott-One” followed by “Gott-One II”). He LOVED fishing, hunting, and competitive shooting. His shooting skills were legendary – earning him many awards and distinctions, including being named a Kentucky Colonel. He also loved watching sports – especially when his family members were playing. And he was an avid fan of “THE” OSU Buckeyes along with the Cleveland Browns, Indians, and Cavaliers. Beyond all that, he truly enjoyed working in his yard and kept it immaculate.
He is survived by his wife, Annie, and their seven children: Stephen J. Gottron, PhD (Terry Kuzma) of Aliso Viejo, CA; Kimberly A. Lind (Edward J. Lind, MD) of Derby, KS; Holly A. Swint (Vince Swint) of Galena, OH; Michael A. Gottron (Sheila Brennan) of Powell, OH; Jeffrey A. Gottron of Lake Fenton, MI; Joseph A. Gottron, II (Angie Tumbokon) of Tulsa, OK; and Bryan J. Gottron (Laura Willey-Gottron, MD) of Centerville, OH. He is also survived by his brother, David (Penny) Gottron of Port Clinton, OH.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, and his sisters, Mary Combs, Joan Inks and Alice Economos.
Visitation: Tuesday, December 6, 2022, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Wonderly Horvath Hanes Funeral Home, 425 E State St, Fremont, OH.
Mass of Christian Burial: Wednesday, December 7, at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Church, 709 Croghan St., Fremont, OH. Family and friends of The Gottrons are welcome to join the Celebration of Life at Victor’s Event Center, 2270 Hayes Avenue, Fremont, OH immediately following the graveside at St. Joseph Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The Joe & Ann Gottron Scholarship Fund c/o Bishop Hoffman Catholic Schools, 702 Croghan Street, Fremont, Ohio 43420.
Offer Condolences for the family of Joseph Arthur Gottron

Steve and Jantha McFarlin
We are so sorry for your loss. He lived a full life. Joe and Angie were always telling us great things about his dad. Our prayers are with you for comfort and peace.
Tim and Paula Cullen and family.
Sending my love,respect, and support to the entire family. Special prayers for Mrs Gottron, and my lifetime friend Joe, as they celebrate the life and mourn the loss of a spouse and a father during this time of transition. God bless – we love you.
Kathy Morawski
To Annie and Family,
Please know you are all in our prayers during this difficult time. We all have wonderful memories of Joe. Always the kidder but a kind soul.
Love, The Morawski’s (Tim, Kathy, Molly, Todd, Lori, Lyla and Maddie
Roger Darr
Please accept my sincere condolences to all of the Gottron family. A man that, while leaving a great void for humanity, has provided a legacy of excellence in his children and his example of faith and love. I am saddened by your loss, but content in knowing your great strength in family and love of God.
Roger Darr
Dwight Smith
May our Lord comfort the Gottron family at this challenging time. Mr. Gottron touched the hearts of so many through his love and the love of his family. Very special prayers to his loving wife.
God bless the Gottron family.
Love,
Dwight and Renée Smith
Karen Cronin
Annie and Family, You have our deepest sympathy. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Larry and Karen Cronin
Kevin and Brenda (Foos) Stang
Dear Mike and family:
You have our deepest sympathy!
Pat Watson
RIP Joe, a great guy you will be missed.
Steve and Nancy Pfefferle
I had the privilege of talking to Mr.Gottron at the hospital about a month ago. He walked into the waiting room with his mask on and I recognized him right away and said hello. Prayers Jeff and to all the Gottron’s.
Mary Pat Fisher
Sincere condolences to Ann and the entire Gottron family with their recent loss! My Gottron memories extend from watching your family attend church in the front pews throughout my childhood ( yes, our family was bigger!), to sharing family swimming pool nightmare stories a few years ago! Live his legacy!
Tom Hoffman
I am so very sorry for your loss!
Pamela Hower
I never had the pleasure of personally knowing this amazing man, yet knowing Joe and Angie, I feel like I did.
What an example of living life full out! A beautiful soul, full of joy and wisdom. A man who knew true love, with Annie, and the incredible family they produced within that love. A man who knew and appreciated nature and who saw God in all things. I celebrate the amazing life he lived and the anchor he was, and still is to this family. An incredible journey of 90 meaningful years. Even in your last days, you chose the perfect place to be, home, with your precious family. You lived a truly awakened life and there is no doubt about the celebration going on in Heaven now as you arrive and are greeted by so many.
My prayers and condolences to all of you in this spectacular family.
Brian Szakovits
Joe was a wonderful husband, father and a great friend to everyone he met. Joe and Annie took me in during the summer like another son, while we played baseball every other night in the summer. The hardest thing I ever did in sports was guarding him in a pick up basketball game in the driveway. Our deepest sympathies, Sockie and Laura
Rick Jenkins
Dear Annie and the Gottron Family, You all are in our thoughts and prayers during this sad time. We have so many great memories with Joe and your family don’t know where to start. He will be deeply missed. Love you all!
Joe, Rest in peace,
Rick and Sue Jenkins
John and Brenda Havens
To Annie and the Gottron Kids,
I just loved talking with Joe when I saw him around the town. Always smiling and sharing a wonderful story. Many memories of swimming in the pool on McPherson during the summer months. Your dad was a true legacy. May you always remember the special times together.
Jacqueline Amor Zitzelberger & Family
Sincere condolences to Aunt Ann and the Gottron family members. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Take care in knowing that your husband and father loved you very much.
Teresa
Sending love and comfort for the entire Gottron family. A beautiful family and special man prayers for peace and ease.