Ortmann, Louisa (1863-1952)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1952 May 22 p. 9

Birth date: 1863 Feb 15

text of obituary:

LOUISA ORTMANN

Our dear Aunt Louisa Ortmann, daughter of Christian and Wilhelmina (Kramer) Ortmann, was born on February 15, 1863, in Poland in the village called Dnlfoef.

At the age of eight, together with her parents and brothers and sisters, she journeyed to America.

When she was two years old, she fell down from the stairway. Her head hit a tub which was standing below. As a result of this accident she lost her hearing. And since she could not hear, she did not learn to talk. She developed a sign language of her very own.

After her parents had passed away she had her home with her brother, our father, the late F. C. Ortmann. Due to circumstances existing in those pioneer years, her parents did not send her to any school; but from the home of her brother she was taken to the deaf-mute school in Sioux Falls S. D. where she attended several years. Although she had then already reached her 52nd year, she learned enough to write a letter home every week, and also to read somewhat. To associate with many other deaf-mute persons brought much joy to her, and many times she referred back to that time.

Aunt Louisa loved children especially, and as a rule won their confidence.

In her youth she attended the catechism class and was baptized by Elder Peter P. Becker. Since she could not hear, our father explained every lesson to her in the sign language at home. She accepted Christ as her personal Saviour and held on to this faith till the very last. Later she joined the Bethel church.

With a few exceptions, she enjoyed the best of health throughout her entire lifetime, until on March 21 when she suffered a heart attack. From then on she was bedfast for the first time. She had several more heart attacks and suffered much. Also, other complications set in. On March 30 at 2:30 p.m., the Lord took her home. She passed away at the age of 87 years, one month and 15 days, of heart failure.

We will miss her very much in the home but can also rejoice with her that she now beholds in reality what she so firmly believed, and was also revealed to her in visions during her illness.

Her parents, brothers and sisters all preceded her in death; so she was the last member of the Christian Ortmann family.

Among her remaining relatives are one sister-in-law, Mrs. Julius Ortmann of Seattle, Washington, and a large number of nephews, nieces and friends.

Funeral services took place in the Bethel church, Wednesday, April 2, Rev. J. A. Tieszen of Sioux Falls had charge of the service with Rev. H. J. Brown and Rev. Jonas Ratzlaff assisting. Special song in the home was a German song by Mrs. J. A. Tieszen. Two special numbers in the church were "Looking This Way" by Mrs. Marvin Ortmann and a solo, “The Circle Grows Larger up There,” by Mrs. Arthur Ortmann. A special German song was sung at the cemetery by Rev. Jonas Ratzlaff.

Paullbearers [sic] were Marvin, Harvey, Alvin, Ervin and Harley Ortmann and Arnold Becker.

Relatives who came from a distance were Mr. and Mrs. Albert Baum, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Baum of Huron; Mrs. Arthur Ortmann, Warroad, Minn.; Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Vogland of Sioux Falls, — Adelina B. Ortmann.