October 26, 1949 – February 18, 2018
Ken Ortmeier, passed away on February 18, 2018 in Sturgeon Hospital in St.Albert, Alberta at age 68 years. He was surrounded by family and friends. Ken was born in Polo, South Dakota to William and Katherine Ortmeier on October 26,1949. He was the 4th of 11 children, (2 of Ken’s brother passed as small infants.) “Kenny” grew up on the family farm and his family was active in St. Liborius Parish, as well as his entire school years at Polo S.D. Following high school graduation, Ken enlisted into the Air Force. He served his country with honour and distinction as a MP in the Vietnam conflict. On return to the United States, he was stationed at Ellsworth Air Force base in Rapid City S.D. It was here that he met the love of his life Judy Moore. They were married on August 17, 1973 in Our Lady’s Chapel at the Cathedral of Rapid City S.D. In July of 1974, Ken moved his family to Morinville, Alberta in Canada. It was here that he graduated from NAIT. He then pursued a career as a carpenter for the next 38 years. In August of 1979 Ken and Judy build their family home in Calahoo, Alberta. This would remain his home and castle until his last days. Ken was a member of St.Catherine’s Parish for 38 years, a Knights of Columbus, and volunteered with Catholic Family Ministries. Ken had 2 great loves, his deep love for Jesus and the catholic faith, especially the rosary and Divine Mercy. Never would you find his pocket without his rosary or his medals around his neck. His second great love was his family, he worked to come home to his family, he eagerly waited for grandchildren, and when they started to come, he was in love. Napping with them, teaching them to say Poppo, and praying for them as well. Hoping for new grandchildren was one of his greatest pleasures. The love of his faith, his wife, children, grandchildren and the seemingly endless renovation projects he would take on for his children are just some of the things we can list to show what kind of person Poppo was. The best testament to the life of Ken Ortmeier, and the man he was, is the love and compassion he blessed us all with. For all of us who knew and loved him it was returned 10 fold. He was and will always be our beloved Poppo.
Ken is preceded in death by his mother, Katherine(nee Abernatty); his dear granddaughter, Isabella Hope Jodoin; his 2 infant brothers, Gerald Gerard and William; his In-laws, Buck and Elaine Moore; as well as his sister-in-law’s, Doneen Moore (nee Ashmore), and LeeAnn Moore (nee Sime).
Ken is survived by his wife of 44 years, Judy; his 3 children: daughter, Brandi (Corey) Jodoin and their children Brett, Mikaila, Elijah, Katelyn, Mary-Beth, Ethan, Sarah, Eva, Arianna, Isaac and No. 12 yet an unborn grandchild; son, Kelly (Chantal) Ortmeier and their children,Faith, Nathaniel, Joshua, Gabriel, Hannah, Jillian, Abigail, Kathryn and Emily; and daughter, Amanda (Darren) Cherneske and their daughter Jade. His father, William (Bill); his siblings, Mary (Steve) Powers, Judi (John) Bokenfohr, Bob Ortmeier, Gloria (John) Byrnes, Joe (Vicki) Ortmeier, Camay (Brad) Baloun, Diane Zweifel and Bill (Brenda Ortmeier). Judy’s siblings, Carolyn Stahl, Steve (Pam) Moore, Kelly (Denise) Moore and Kristi (Dave) McGill.
Pallbearers will be his grandsons Brett, Elijah, Ethan and Isaac Jodoin. Nathaniel, Joshua, and Gabriel Ortmeier.
Public Viewing
Monday, February 26, 2018at 7:00 pmSt. Catherine’s Catholic Church
Calahoo, Alberta
Funeral Service
Tuesday, February 27, 2018
at 12:00 pm
St. Catherine’s Catholic Church
Calahoo, Alberta
In Lieu of Flowers, Please make a donation to Catholic Family Ministries, St. Emerence Catholic Parish in Rivere Qui Barre or Pure Witness Ministries of Saskatoon, Sask.
