Ortman, Fred F. (1873-1955)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1955 Apr 21 p. 6

Birth date: 1873 Dec 23

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1955 Apr 28 p. 8

text of obituary:

FRED F. ORTMAN

Fred F. Ortman, son of Fredric and Julia Ortman, was born Dec. 23, 1873, in Wolynia, Russia and departed this life on April 14, 1955, at the age of 81 years, three months and 22 days. At the age of three years, he came to America with his parents and settled on a farm Southwest of Moundridge, Kansas. he received his elementary schooling in the vicinity where they resided.

On Oct. 4, 1891, he was baptized upon the confession of his faith by Elder Jacob Stucky, and became a member of the Hopefield Mennonite church near Moundridge. On march 6, 1932, he transferred his membership to the First Mennonite church of christian in Moundridge, where he remained a faithful member until his death.

During his early life he experienced the many hardships of pioneer living. On Feb. 20, 1902, he was united in marriage to Christina Brubacher at Perry, Okla., by Rev. Henry Koller. This couple enjoyed over 53 years of married life.

To this union nine children were born, four sons and five daughters. Two sons preceded him in death. Edward in 1909 and Harold in 1938.

Surviving are his devoted wife; two sons, Roland, living near Halstead and Albert of Moundridge; five daughters, Emma and her husband P. H. Lohrentz, of Moundridge, Esther and her husband P. S. Wedel, Moundridge, Ruth and her husband Arthur Miller of Hanston, Christine and her husband Weldon Ewy, Jetmore, Leah and her husband Eddie Kaufman, McPherson; one daughter-in-law, Dorothy, Mrs. Roland Ortman. He is also survived by 21 grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

He always enjoyed good health until Dec. 7, 1954, when he suffered from a stroke which left him completely helpless until the time of his death. He was patient in all his suffering and said, "Not my will, but God's will be done."

He placed God first in all his interests and maintained a firm faith to the end. We sorrow, but not as those who have no hope for we shall meet him again in heaven.

Other survivors besides the immediate family include a brother Henry of Salem, Oregon, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Memorial services were conducted from the First Mennonite church of Christian, on Saturday afternoon, April 16, 1955, at 2:00 o'clock with his pastor, Rev. F. J. Miller as the officiating minister. A men's quartet composed of J. Hobert Goering, Ervin Krehbiel, Elmer F. Goering and Ruben Krehbiel sang "In the Morning," "When All My Labors and Trials Are O'er," and at the graveside, "Asleep in Jesus." The organist was Mrs. Milo Voth.

Burial was made in the family lot of the church cemetery south east of Moundridge by the side of his late son. The Kaufman funeral home was in charge of arrangements.