Kenneth Lee Ortman

Kenneth (Ken) Lee Ortman, 74, of Petersburg, Illinois, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, July 31, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, after losing his battle with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. He was born on February 23, 1951, to Henry W. and Mildred Irene (nèe Carman) Ortman in Moline, Illinois. He married the love of his life, Sandra "Sandy" Frick, at St. Peter Catholic Church in Petersburg on April 5, 1975. They just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Ken was a devoted member of St. Peter Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus, always finding ways to serve his faith and his community. He gave generously of his time as Alderman and City Clerk for the city of Petersburg, roles he carried out with dedication and pride. A true sports enthusiast, Ken cheered passionately for St. Louis Cardinals baseball and University of Illinois basketball, as well as our local Bluejays, rarely missing a game. He also had a soft spot for his beloved cats, who brought him great comfort and joy. On family vacations, one of his favorite traditions was carefully planning the travel route - he loved the journey as much as the destination, especially when shared with those he loved most. Ken is survived by his wife, Sandy; his daughter, René (husband Chris) Hardee; his son Kyle Ortman; his grandchildren, Maxwell and Samuel Hardee; his siblings, Larry (wife Paulette) Ortman and Jeanne (husband Mike) Fricke, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents. A memorial gathering will be held on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at St. Peter Catholic Church in Petersburg, Illinois, from 9:30 am to 11:00 am immediately followed by a memorial mass with Fr. Varghese officiating. A luncheon at the church parish center will follow mass. A private family graveside service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter Catholic Church, 711 S. 6th St, Petersburg, Illinois 62675 or to Ken's memorial page for the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. Hurley Funeral Home in Petersburg is assisting Ken's family with arrangements. Please visit Ken's online obituary at hurleyfh.com where you may share condolences and memories with his family.