Kay Ortmeier
September 20, 1929 ~ June 20, 2012
Kay Ortmeier, 82, of Polo, passed away Wednesday, June 20, 2012 at the Eastern Star Home in Redfield.
Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, June 25, 2012 at St. Liborius Catholic Church, Polo with Father Chester Murtha, celebrant. Burial followed at Mount Calvary Cemetery, Polo. A wake and rosary service was held at 4:00 p.m., Sunday, June 24, 2012 at the church in Polo.
Warda Kay Ortmeier was born September 20, 1929 to George and Ysobel (Potter) Esoph in Miller, South Dakota. She attended Miller schools through the sixth grade in which then she attended Graceville Academy in Graceville, Minnesota where she graduated from in 1947. From there she attended Mankato State College and graduated with a business degree.
After completing her business degree, Kay moved to Hecla and worked at a bank. She met James Mitchell and two weeks later he proposed to her; to this union were born six sons and two daughters. From there they moved to Aberdeen and to Miller in 1953. James went into a partnership with his father-in-law at the Miller Tire Shop and Kay did the books for them.
In 1972, James passed away. Kay then married James Ortmeier in 1974 and to this union one son, James M. was born. They lived on the Ortmeier homestead. She was a very organized woman who managed her farm role well. Kay also made all of her children’s clothes as she was an excellent seamstress. She loved to play the organ and could play a total of nine instruments. Among other things she loved playing pinball, poker, bridge, pitch, fishing, gardening, canning and especially reading. She was an all-around truly amazing lady!
Kay was a member of the St. Liborius Catholic Church and praying the rosary was a very important to her, something that she passed on to her children.
Kay is survived by her husband, James of Polo; children: Michael Mitchell of Rapid City, Cathleen (Curtis) Walker of Aberdeen, Dan Mitchell of Onida, Jeff (Patti) Mitchell of Aberdeen, Elizabeth Dinger of Sioux Falls, Donovan “Doc” Mitchell of Sioux Falls, Christopher Mitchell of Liberty, MO, and James M. Ortmeier of Polo; 16 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; and one brother, George (Shirley) Esoph of Minneapolis, MN.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, James Mitchell in 1972; son, James Mitchell in 1969; and one sister, Peggy Pare.
Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Kay’s arrangements.
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Jim and Family, My deepest sympathies to all of you on the death of your wife and mother. Kay was a true friend and confidante. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. I know (by her unending and true faith)she is now in God’s loving hands. In this time of Grief and pain, May God Bless all of you — Mike Anglin
PLEASE KNOW DUKE & PEG VENJOHN, CUSTER, SD, SHELLY & BRAD MARTINMAAS & FAMILY OF ORIENT, TRIXIE & BRAD GRILL & FAMILY FROM HOT SPRINGS, SD, TINA & AARON BORNS & FAMILY OF COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA, & TONY & MARLA VENJOHN OF PIEDMONT, SD – ALL SEND OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO YOU UNCLE JIM, AND ALL YOUR EXTENDED FAMILIES. LOVE & PRAYERS
Cathy,
It is a difficult time when losing a parent. You and your family are in my prayers.
Julie VanDover
Jim and all of Kay’s children,
So sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. She was one super lady whom I’ll never forget. Many a good time spent in the Mitchell home during my highschool years and such good conversations with Jim and Kay during my married life in Polo. I’ve missed her since she’s been gone from the community because she always kept me up as to what all of you were doing. May she rest in peace with the angels. And as I write this, I can smile as I know Heaven will shine with smiles with Kay’s arrival…Sincerely, Debbie
My friends, please know that our prayers are with you at this time. I have fond memories of Kay. You will all be in our thoughts.
Jess,
I am sorry about the passing of your grandma. Grandma’s are special people and often leave behind a legacy that we are all proud of! Hold on to all of the wonderful memories you had with your Grandma as that is one thing death can not take from us.
Peace and Comfort to you during this difficult time and the days ahead.
Jana
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
You are in my thoughts and prayers. Kay was an amazing woman and has touched so many people. We have all been blessed just knowing her.