William ‘Bill’ Ortmann, of Niles
Aug. 5, 1927 — Nov. 4, 2019
Niles Daily Star, Published 9:02 am Tuesday, November 12, 2019
Aug. 5, 1927 — Nov. 4, 2019
- William Henry Ortmann
William Henry Ortmann, 92, was called home to Heaven on Monday, Nov. 4, 2019, where his beloved Barbara welcomed him with open arms.
The only child of William and Ida (Light) Ortmann was born on Aug. 5, 1927, in South Bend.
After graduating from high school, Bill enlisted and served his country proudly with the U.S. Army Corps, earning his Corporal ranking and serving in Okinawa.
With great joy, Bill wed the love of his life, Barbara Jean Robbins, in Niles on Jan. 30, 1946. God blessed them with 73 years of marriage before Barbara was called home to heaven.
Bill served on the board at the Jerry Tyler airport and always enjoyed the Oshkosh airplane shows. He began fighting fires for the Niles City fire department in 1958 and retired in 1982. He spent countless hours working on his Model A, but Bill’s passion was serving God; he served at Coulter’s Chapel in many capacities for more than 50 years, but many will fondly remember him and Barbara playing the guitar. He was a man with a kind and gentle spirit, full of wisdom and always an encouraging word. He was often seen with a smile upon his face, especially when someone served him a piece of pie!
He is preceded by his parents, William and Ida Ortmann and his wife Barbara Ortmann.
Bill is survived by his children, Judy (Jim) Cripe and Jim (Jacki) Ortmann, both of Niles. He will also be missed by his six grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and his seven great-great-grandchildren.
A time of visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2019, at Brown Funeral Home. Funeral services to celebrate Bill’s life will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2019, at Brown Funeral Home.
An interment will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery with full military honors.
Those wishing to make a memorial donation in honor of Bill may do so to the Salvation Army, 424 N. 15th Street, Niles, Michigan 49120-0247.
Memories of Bill can be shared with his family at BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services.