Obituaries : William (Bill) Glenn Ortmayer

William (Bill) Glenn Ortmayer, 92, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa died on June 29, 2024. He had a peaceful transition while at the Dennis & Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha, with his 4 daughters at his side. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday July 13, 2024, from 2-4 PM at Ellis Golf Course Clubhouse, 1401 Zika Ave. NW, Cedar Rapids. Story sharing will begin at 3 PM.

Bill was born on January 9, 1932, in Charles City, Iowa to Glenn and Lillie (Froland) Ortmayer. Bill shared lots of stories as a boy of his dog Ginger and many outdoor activities.

He graduated from Charles City High School then went to college at Luther College where he got a B.A. in Business Administration.

After college he met Patricia Mason and they were married April 9, 1955, in Winfield, Iowa. Bill was drafted into the Army shortly after and went to Korea.

When discharged Bill & Pat made their home in Cedar Rapids, IA. They built their house in 1958 and Bill did a lot of the work himself. He remained there until his final days. He worked for Square D, Collins Radio, Self Employed Professional Photographer, Church Directory Photographer,and Home Daycare Provider with Pat.

Bill was passionate about reading, took pleasure in quiet time and enjoyed creating, building, and fixing things with his hands. He deeply valued the written and spoken word. He appreciated the company of old and new friends, but family came first and often friends became family! Bill treasured the long visits he had with so many! Volunteers became friends. The many families Bill and Pat provided daycare for continued to stay connected as their children grew and started families of their own. They were "adoptive grandparents" and Bill "adopted" the Tim and Linda Lane family as his own. Bill also was an "adopted dad" to our foreign exchange student Alfredo Musatani from Argentina.

Friends he made during his years at Luther College and serving in the US Army remained friends his entire life. He was intentional about connecting often via letters, phone calls and emails. The Bridge Club they joined shortly after moving to Cedar Rapids developed into a close-knit group that evolved into a coffee club that continues to meet today.

Bill was very interested in genealogy and spent countless hours researching information that he shared with his cousins. He was influential in keeping his family connected via reunions, family zoom calls, email, and Christmas letters.

Bill had a gift of having a keen eye for capturing beautiful photos. Since a boy he was always taking pictures and he documented many events professionally and for fun. Many have received countless photos he had taken of their lives. Some of his beautiful photos captured were framed and hung in his home.

Bill had a green thumb. His house was full of plants he maintained. For many years he had a garden full of beautiful flowers that he carefully planned out. He had several Amaryllis plants that he kept alive year after year.

A special thanks to Dr. Melanie Stahlberg for her many years of kindness and passionate care. The Meals on Wheels program and volunteers, the VA Home Health care workers, Hospice of Mercy team and the very kind care givers at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy, and to Chaplain Joe Kane with hospice who became a special friend to Bill and his family.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife Pat, parents Glenn & Lillie Ortmayer, and in-laws Roy and Geneieve Mason.

He is survived by his 4 daughters and their families: Sara (Tom) Patterson of Vinton, IA and family, Melissa (Cody) Smith, Carter & Brady of Garrison, IA and Aaron (Allie) Patterson, Wesley & Brooks of Waukee, IA; Beth Ender & Tye of North Liberty, IA and family, Jessica (Chris) Luloff, Henry of Aurora, IA, Clayton (Linda) Ender, Norah & Sophie of Ankeny, IA, and Nicholas Ender of Cedar Rapids, Zach & Simon; Martha (Gary) Schuler of Carson, IA and family Amanda (Michael) Donner, Odeliah, Isaiah, & Ameliah of Grand Island, NE, Lindsey Schuler (Heath Barcus) of Omaha, NE, and Melanie Schuler (Dan Allen) of Treynor, IA; and Julie (Scott) Cline of Charles City, IA and family Jaime (Srinu) Ekkurthi, Jaysri of Charles City, IA and Erika (Chris) Joiner of Charles City, IA. Bill is also survived by his brother Duane Ortmayer of Charles City and many nieces / nephews and several cousins and their families.

Bill was extremely proud of his daughters and their families. His daughters are very grateful for the things he taught us and the example of unconditional love he gave. We want to thank everyone for the love and kindness you have given to our father throughout his life.

Dad, you will not be forgotten.

Online condolences are welcome at www.iowacremation.com under obituaries.