John Ortmeier
May 19, 1918 ~ April 23, 2009
Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, April 27, 2009 at St. Liborius Catholic Church, Polo with Father Chester Murtha officiating. Burial was in the Mount Calvary Cemetery, Polo with military honors. Visitation was held from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., with a 7:00 p.m. wake service Sunday, April 26, 2009 at the church.
John was born May 19, 1918 to Max and Elizabeth (Schaefers) Ortmeier at home in Harrison Township. He graduated from St Liborius Catholic School in Polo in 1933. He honorably served his country in the United States Army for three and a half years to include his service in World War II.
After coming home from serving his country, he met the love of his life, Kathleen "Kitty" Hommerding of Eden Valley, Minnesota. On October 22, 1946, John and Kitty were united in marriage at Eden Valley. After a long honeymoon to the west coast, they moved to the Jake Houdek farm seven miles west of Polo on January 10, 1947 and began their lives together in farming and raising a family. John resided there until February, 2009.
As an avid farmer and a love for the outdoors, he provided for his loving family. John highly valued his Catholic faith and was a lifelong member of St. Liborius Catholic Church in Polo. For many years, John was also a custodian for the church. He was also a honorary member of Polo American Legion and Catholic Order of Foresters.
Grateful to have shared in his life are his thirteen children: Don (Jan Morford) Ortmeier of Minneapolis, MN, Dave (Judy Raethz) Ortmeier of Chelsea, SD, Peggy (Duke) Venjohn of Custer, SD, Joni (Dave) Blachford of Miller, SD, Tom (Terri Bryant) Ortmeier of Aberdeen, SD, Carol (Jerry) Wieseler of Groton, SD, Mel (Norman) Jelsma of Springfield, SD, Rodey (Chuck) Martinmaas of Polo, SD, Ann (Mike) Schaefer of Polo, SD, Jack (Diane Meyer) Ortmeier of Mitchell, SD, Gerri (Leasa Kopecky) Ortmeier of Faulkton, Mike (Gina Price) Ortmeier of Miller, SD, and Shane (Cris Wegener) Ortmeier of Watertown, SD; fifty grandchildren; forty-four great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; sister: Mary King of Scottsdale, AZ; brothers: Bill (Katherine) Ortmeier and Father Rich Ortmeier of Watertown, SD, Jim (Kay) Ortmeier of Polo, SD; and sister-in-law: Mildred Ortmeier of Hoven, SD.
Grateful to have shared in his life but have passed on before him were his loving wife, Kitty (2000); children: James (1956), Roger (1961), Tina (1962), Geri (1964) and Anthony (1969); his parents: Max and Elizabeth; brothers: Ray and his wife, Laurina; Barney and Vincent de Paul; sister: Agnes and her husband, Bill; brother-in-law: Kenny King; sister-in-law: Carol Cogley and her husband Bob; and granddaughters: Mary Jo Ortmeier and Lindsey Venjohn.
Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with John's arrangements.
MINSITER
Father Chester Murtha
CASKETBEARERS
Josh Ortmeier
Tony Venjohn
Greg Blachford
Tommy Ortmeier
Michael Wieseler
Justin Jelsma
Curt Martinmaas
Clint Ortmeier
HONORARY CASKETBEARERS
50 Grandchildren
44 Great Great Children
1 Great-Great Grandchild
ORGANIST
Carol Schulz
MUSICIANS
Cogley Family (nieces & nephew)
SELECTIONS
"How Great Thou Art"
"Amazing Grace"
"One Bread, One Body"
"Be Not Afraid"
DUET
Dave & Ron Blachford
"The Unclouded Day"
PLACING OF THE PALL
Don Ortmeier
Dave Ortmeier
Peggy Venjohn
Joni Blachford
Tom Ortmeier
Carol Wieseler
Mel Jelsma
Rodey Martinmaas
Ann Schaefer
Jack Ortmeier
Gerri Ortmeier
Mike Ortmeier
Shane Ortmeier
LECTORS
Matt Ortmeier
Scott Schaefer
GIFT BEARERS
Nicholas Ortmeier
Adam Ortmeier
Alex Ortmeier
USHERS
Jack Schaefers
Bill Ortmeier, Jr.
EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS
Jack King (Godchild)
Mike Schaefer
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Guestbook
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Michele and Family,
So sorry to hear about your Grandpa. Let me know if you need anything.
Love you.
Carrie, Jim & Carson
It was a joy to be neighbors and friends with Johnny for so many years. We remember Johnny and Kitty with fond memories. Coming from such a small family it was so interesting for us to visit with such a large family. Our prayers are with you in this sad time.
our Sympathies,
Terry and Carol Witte
Sorry to hear of the passing of you Dad and Grandfather.
If you need anything you can call we are always there for you.
Craig & Dawn & Boys
Gerri, Leasa and family:
Thinking of you at this time and keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
I remember all the times I spent out at the farm and hung out with alot of you.(Tom) We are sorry for your loss and we are thinking of all of you.
Love the Kaisers
Jack, Diane and family of John
Sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. I know what you are going through. Just letting you know we are thinking of you and you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Elise, Tim Meyer and family
Ortmeier Family:
So sorry to hear that John passed on. I have a lot of great memories of going over to Shane’s house, and always seeing John taking care of the school and keeping it neat and orderly. My thoughts are with you all!
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you ALL during this difficult time…..God Bless, Kristopher and Alicia Manning
This if for the whole family from Don down to Shane it seems as we grew together with your family and our family with Dave and Judy as our neighbors and friends for years Will always remember the many times we were at your folks house always having a good time usually playing sheephead which I(Carolyn) could never quite get the hang but Walt really enjoyed that game. Just know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at your loss John was a really great person
Walt and Carolyn
We have so many great memories. You were such a great person, Grandpa. We love you and will miss you.
Shane & Family, I’m so sorry to hear about your Dad. It’s hard to lose our parents…especially the last one. Treasure the special memories. Marlene
I have lots of great memories. I’m so grateful that Grandpa and Grandma raised such a wonderful family. I feel so lucky to come from their family and to share such great memories! Love ya Grandpa!
I will miss you so much Grandpa, but you are in a better place now. We will all get to see you again in time.
Love you and miss you, Jessica
I wanted to send a card – but then I didn’t know who to send the card to – and there are soooo many of you. So, I thought this was the next best thing.
Johnny will be missed. Such an easy going and pleasant man. Of course, I saw him flare-up a time or two when us kids got into trouble. I will always remember walking across the field to meet one or two of you to spend the night either at your house or ours. It’s great to have nice memories.
My condolences to you all. Johnny is in a much better place. Love to you all.
Gloria Byrne