A memorial service for William Ortman will be held July 29, 2023 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Emmetsburg. Arrangements were made by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home in Emmetsburg.
William Wayne Ortman, son of Walter and Margaret Mary (Smith) Ortman, was born Dec. 27, 1933 in Charles City, Iowa. He received his education in Charles City, graduating from Charles City High School in 1951. Following graduation, Bill enlisted in the United States Navy, serving four years.
After being honorably discharged on March 30, 1956, Bill enrolled in the X-Ray Technician program at the University of Iowa. After completion of that program he moved to Fort Dodge where he was employed at the Lutheran Hospital until 1959.
On June 13, 1959 Bill was united in marriage to Eleanor Orum in Charles City. They were blessed with a daughter, Paula, and a son, Eric.
Bill continued his education at Fort Dodge Community College, transferring to the University of Northern Iowa to complete his Bachelor of Science Degree in Speech and Hearing in 1964. Bill and Eleanor then moved to Emmetsburg where Bill worked eight years as a speech and hearing clinician for Palo Alto County. In 1972 Bill purchased PAR Office Supply in Emmetsburg which he operated until his retirement in 1995.
Bill was a devoted and faithful member of Bethany Lutheran Church, where he served on several boards and was active in choir, men’s group, and various Bible studies. He was a member of the Emmetsburg Country Club where he loved to play golf and participate in Men’s League. Bill was also a member of the Emmetsburg Chamber of Commerce, American Legion and Pheasants Forever. Bill and Clint Stille initiated the Palo Alto County Chapter of Pheasants Forever in 1983.
Bill loved the outdoors, especially fishing and hunting. He was an avid E’Hawk fan, timing for wrestling meets, keeping score for 44 years at the football games, and being a starter and time keeper at track meets. He was named the Honorary Referee for the 25th Annual E’Hawk Relays. Bill was also an avid Iowa Hawkeye and Minnesota Vikings fan, rarely missing a game.
Bill passed away Friday, Dec. 23, 2022 at PARC Hall in Emmetsburg, at the age of 88. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Margaret Ortman; his infant twin sister, Betty; a brother, Walter Ortman, Jr.; and a sister, Lorraine Kemp.
He is survived by his wife, Eleanor of Emmetsburg; his daughter, Paula Carlson of Colorado Springs, Colorado; his son, Eric Ortman of Nome, Alaska; two grandchildren, Krista Griffin and Shane Carlson; a sister, Nancy (Robert) Erler in Apple Valley, Minnesota; as well as many other relatives and friends.
Condolences can be left at
www.martinmattice
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