Ned Orthmann Obituary
Ned Henry Orthmann passed away peacefully on March 14, 2026, at his home in Altoona. He was 86 years old. He was born on December 2, 1939, in Antigo, Wisconsin.
Ned graduated from the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point. He was a music/band director for 35 years in Rib Lake, Wisconsin, where he influenced many students and saw each student as an individual encouraging them to succeed.
He loved playing and watching hockey, woodworking, and teaching his grandchildren. Ned built a skating rink every year in his yard for the community to use. He also had a passion for the cabin he built, making maple syrup, fishing, hunting, and reading.
He enjoyed teaching his band students to march and was especially happy to take them to the Apple Festival in Bayfield, Wisconsin. He enjoyed the technology that enabled him to keep in contact with family members around the world. He also enjoyed traveling stateside and overseas to visit family. He was a coordinator for community education classes.
Ned was known for his loyalty to family, friends, students, and community. He was non-judgmental and had a wonderful sense of humor.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Virginia, and his sister, Nan.
He is survived by his wife, Ann; children, Jon (Caroline), James (Kami), Jeff (Sandra), and Kim (Rich); grandchildren, Katherine, Christopher, Jacqueline, Jennifer, Justin, Tristin, Alex, Ruch, Paul, and Luke; brothers, Todd (Sandy) and Timm; great-grandchild, Dean; and beloved nephew, William (Patricia) and sons Kyle and Matthew.
There will be a public music-themed celebration of life in Eau Claire this summer (date to be determined) to honor Ned's lifelong love of music. Everyone is encouraged to bring an instrument.
Ned was well loved, respected, and will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
Tony Hengst
Yesterday
I'm saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Orthmann. Because of his I still pick up the same trombone I learned on from 6th grade and through my college days and not to the community band (when I can) I intend on bringing it with me to Eau Claire for his memorial service. I was honored to be in the band at the same time as his children and playing next to Jeff. Perhaps the finest memory is the fragrant smell of the coffee in his office. The world was a better place because Mr. Orthmann was part of it
Anthony (Tony) Hengst
Mark and Linda Gelhaus
March 18, 2026
We got to know Ned as his and Anne's new neighbors on North Harper Lake. What a great man, so kind and wise. His memory will be with us on the Lake forever. We refurbished his cabin back to prime condition and we invite any of his relatives to please come use it. Many of his furnishings, and his spirit, remain. Rest in Peace Ned.
Dr. Peter R. Schreiner
March 18, 2026
I was in the first group of music students Mr. Orthmann 'inherited' at Rib Lake. He was still doing double, possibly triple (outlying country grade schools?) in the beginning with band and choir. I was hoping these last years to get to see him one more time but, obviously, the opportunity never arrived. A lot of memories, all of them good. See you on the other side.
Michelle Sloan (Tlusty)
March 18, 2026
My deepest sympathies to Jeff and the entire family. Your Dad was such a kind, patient, wonderful teacher and person. So many great memories of him as a teacher. I was trying to come up with the number of kids he taught to play music , truly amazing how he could teach so many kids and instruments. His memory will live on through the love he taught us to have for music .
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Donna (Graumann) Decker
March 18, 2026
Prayers of peace and comfort to Ned´s friends and family. I have lots of fond memories of "Mr. O".
Deb Zuelsdorff
March 18, 2026
Deepest sympathy to the family.
He was a wonderful man and a great teacher and VERY patient. In band we learned so many classic songs- still have them in my head to this day.
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2222 London Rd, Eau Claire, WI 54701
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