Obituary of Ronald J. Ortner

Ronald J. Ortner, Age 82 of Marshfield, WI passed away peacefully with his family by his side on April 5,2014 following a courageous battle of Diabetes for many years. Ron was born on Aug 12, 1931 in Waterloo, IA. He was drafted into the Marines in December of 1951 and served in the Korean War. He was united in marriage to Lucille Rose Nilles on February 20, 1957. They were blessed with 8 sons and 4 daughters. Ron spent most of his lifetime as a farmer, beginning in Iowa. In 1977, he moved his family to Willard, Wisconsin where he farmed for another 13 years. After his farming days, he went to work for Berg Equipment and Elusive Hill Dairy Farm before he retired completely at the age of 74. He was a member of the Holy Family Catholic Church in Willard and Christ the King Parish in Spencer. He enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He also enjoyed fishing, reading books, metal working making many trinkets, family picnics, holiday gatherings and of course a trip to the casino! Ron is survived by his loving wife Lucille of 57 years; twelve children: Cindy Pierson of Troy Mills IA: Rita (Chuck) Steffen of Willard, WI, Ken Ortner of Martel, WI, Chuck Ortner of Stratford, WI, Joe (Deb) Ortner of Greenwood, WI, Jim (Lori) Ortner of Dalton, WI, Mike (April) Ortner of Green Bay, WI, Sue (Terry) Ortner of Spirit Lake, IA, Sandra (Mike) Shaw of Spencer, WI, Bob (Jen) Ortner of Spring Valley, WI, Dave Ortner of Abbotsford, WI and Dan (Michelle) Ortner of Hudson, WI; 32 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren and Ron’s Brother’s Max and Victor. He was preceded in death by his parents Casper and Clara Ortner, his sister Marguerite and brothers: Hugh, Leo, Eugene, Dennis, and Roy. A special thank you to the many Doctors, Nurses, and Marshfield Care Center for their kindness and caring they gave to Ron during his journey. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11AM on Saturday, April 12, 2014 at Christ the King Parish in Spencer, WI. Rev. Samuel Martin will officiate. Burial will follow in West Spencer Cemetery. Visitation will take place on Saturday at the church in Spencer from 9AM until time of services. A luncheon at the church will follow the committal services. Arrangements are under the care of Life Tributes Funeral Home and Cremation Service-Spencer. Visit www.lifetributesfuneralhome.com to share thoughts and condolences.