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James Ortkiese Obituary
Born in Baton Rouge to Buzz and Nancy Ortkiese, Clark moved to Memphis when he was seven. He graduated from Christian Brothers High School and then the University of Mississippi. He married the love of his life, Katie, and they brought two amazing children into the world. Clark was a passionate, all-in kind of guy, and anyone who met him would agree that his passion for brewing beer and playing golf was surpassed only by his love for his family and the community he served. He started Crosstown Brewing Company with his business partner Will Goodwin and created another ring in the family circle.
Clark was preceded in death by his father, Buzz Ortkiese, earlier this year. Clark is survived by his wife, Katie Pattat Ortkiese, his children Harold "Harry" Tapp Ortkiese and Ruby McPhail Ortkiese, his mother Nancy, and his sister Kate. His beloved pets Miss Pancakes, Chai, Latte, and F-14 Tomcat mourn his absence alongside a host of dear friends, family members, coworkers, and his community.
Family and friends will gather at Holy Rosary Catholic Church on Thursday, July 17, from 5:00-7:00 p.m.for the visitation and on Friday, July 18, at 1:00 p.m. for the funeral.
In honoring Clark's memory and commitment to serving his community, donations may be made to the CBHS Clark Ortkiese '98 Memorial Fund:
https://secure.qgiv.com/for/cbhs/restriction/Endowment+Funds/subrestriction/Clark+Orktiese++98+Memorial+Fund
or to the Holy Rosary Building Our Future campaign:
https://holyrosarychurchmphs.org/capital-campaign/
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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Canale Funeral Directors - Memphis2700 Union Avenue Extended, Memphis, TN 38112
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