James Ortmeier
October 7, 1929 ~ March 26, 2025
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James J. Ortmeier, 95, of Polo, passed away Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at his home, where he lived his entire life.
Funeral Mass will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, April 26, 2025, at St. Liborius Catholic Church, Polo, with Monsignor Charles Mangan, celebrant. Burial will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery, Polo. Visitation will begin at 6:00 p.m., Friday, April 25, 2025, followed by a 7:00 p.m. wake service, all at the church.
James was born on October 7, 1929, to Max and Elizabeth (Schaefers) Ortmeier in Miller, SD. James was the youngest of nine children and was born just prior to the Great Depression. He attended grade school at St. Liborius Catholic School and graduated from Fairview High School in 1947. In 1953, his mother passed away, leaving James to take care of his father until his passing in 1974.
On October 10, 1974, James married the love of his life, Warda Kay Esoph, and went from bachelor to father of seven overnight. In the days that followed, he joked that he didn't think he'd ever get a good night's sleep again. A year and a half later, their eighth and final child was born. James and Kay spent 38 happy years together until her death, and he missed her every day after.
James worked on the family farm for the majority of his life. Long days were spent farming, breaking horses, and raising cattle and sheep. He also made money welding gates, chutes, and overhead doors. Later on, he started selling gravel mined from his land.
James had many interests and hobbies outside of the farm: playing drums in the orchestra, singing alone or in groups, playing cards, and pool, always having a humorous story at the ready, watching westerns and rodeos, and creating welded miniature artwork. He truly loved his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, saying once, "Even though only one of you is my blood, you're all my children." He traveled frequently throughout his lifetime, but for his 95 years on this earth, his family farm on the Moonshine Trail was his only home.
James is loved and remembered by his children: Mike Mitchell and his children, Michael Mitchell and Lisa (Rob) Baloun; Cathleen Walker and her son, Casey (Elisa) Walker; Jeff (Patti) Mitchell and their daughter, Jessica (Tom) Schneider; Elizabeth Dinger and her children, Nik Dinger and Elizabeth (Anthony) Bruce; Donovan Mitchell and his children, Aleah (Jesse) Atwood, Emmy (Ty) Whipple, and Mason Mitchell; Chris Mitchell and his children, Savannah (Max) Horvatin, Christian Mitchell, James Mitchell, and Jack Mitchell; and James Ortmeier; grandson, Alex (Riley) Mitchell; 25 great grandchildren; his sister-in-law Millie Ortmeier; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; his sons: Daniel (Deb) Mitchell and James Mitchell; his son-in-law, Curtis Walker; his grandchildren: Jolene Mitchell and Taylor Mitchell; his siblings: Ray (Laurine) Ortmeier, John (Kitty) Ortmeier, Agnes (Bill) Pangburn, Mary (Kenny) King, Bill (Katherine) Ortmeier, Barney (Millie) Ortmeier, Paul Ortmeier, and Father Richard Ortmeier.
Reck Funeral Home has been entrusted with Jim's arrangements.
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He was the best grandpa I could have asked for. I have so many memories going through my head since I heard he is gone. I wish my kids had more time with him but I know he is with my grandma and they will always be with us. Rest in peace grandpa, I love you forever.
Jim was great neighbor to everyone along Moonshine Road. I remember many days into the night when Jim and dad and a few other good buddies would sit around the table talking and enjoying a few. He was one of the great ones who will be truly missed! RIP Jim
My sympathies to the families he was a wonderful man
Our deepest sympathy for the loss of Uncle Jim. Another wonderful man leaving us. Maybe Jim and John B playing around together! God Bless his soul!
Rest in Peace, Jimmy. Us Haneke’s have fond memories of you! And now you and Benny can resume your songfests again in Heaven!
The World has lost an amazingly kind man. I am sure his is playing 6-5-4 with Dad, Ray and all the others who have gone before him. He had many friends in his lifetime, who are meeting him at the Gates of Heaven.
Our most sincere sympathy to Jim’s family. May your good memories and Gods love and grace bring you peace.🎼🎶💕H&K
Jim will be remember as a courteous and thoughtful man always. Fun to be around. Prayers for the Family. May he Rest In Peace
Condolences to all of Jim's family. Rest in peace.
Our family has some fond memories of Jim,
When Duane and I were married he was in our wedding party. And he was a great friend and neighbor.
I know there are many who are grieving Jim's death, both family & friends. He was such a good guy, so that's as it should be. Please know that ilift you in my prayers, asking God to hold you in his hand for comfort & peace. May you be comforted not only in faith, but I'm betting there's one heck of a welcoming celebration happening in heaven! So many of his family & friends went ahead. They were all waiting at Heaven's gate & the party is on!!
Our heartfelt sympathy for the loss of your dear dad and grandpa. He was a very nice man and a friend of my dad.
God Bless.
So sorry to hear about Jim passing. Aggie and I had so many good times with Jim when we got together. He sure was one of a kind. He always had a smile on his face and a joke to tell. We are sorry for your loss and he was a loss to so many. May you rest in peace Jim.