Gretchen Ortmann

1933 - 2025

Gretchen Ortmann

Gretchen 'Gretch' Ellen Ortmann, 91, of Le Mars, Iowa, passed away on January 15, 2025, at Happy Siesta Health Care in Remsen. Gretch went to be with the Lord, and Jim, whom she greatly missed.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at All Saints Catholic Parish – St. James Church. Father Doug Klein will celebrate Mass. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Le Mars. Visitation with the family present will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, January 20, 2025, at All Saints Catholic Parish – St. James Church in Le Mars. There will be a Scriptural Prayer Service at 5 p.m. followed by a Parish Rosary. Visitation will resume from 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. on Tuesday at the church. Arrangements are with the Mauer-Johnson Funeral Home in Le Mars. Expressions of sympathy can be extended to the family through www.mauerjohnsonfh.com.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials can be made to Gehlen Catholic Schools and St. Croix Hospice.

Gretch was born on May 9, 1933, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Gilbert and Anne (Hough) Wetzel. Gretch had a twin brother, Bill. She would always say she was the oldest because Bill pushed her out.

Gretch was raised in Sioux City, Iowa, a city girl who never dreamed she would become a farm wife. Gretch kept the promise to her mother, Gretch never learned how to drive a tractor.

Gretch attended Blessed Sacrament Catholic School and graduated from Bishop Heelan Catholic High School. She met the love of her life at her best friend Irene's wedding. Gretch Wetzel was united in marriage to Jim Ortmann on August 30, 1956, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Sioux City, Iowa. Jim and Gretch shared their life together farming and raising their children on the family farm outside of Le Mars. Gretch loved being the wife of a farmer and being able to stay at home to raise their children. Jim passed away on January 27, 2022.

She was a longtime member of St. James Catholic Church in Le Mars and a member of the St. James Altar Society. Gretch loved to crochet Christmas ornaments that ordain many of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren's trees. She also loved to draw and spend time outdoors.

Survivors include a son, Tom (Lori) Ortmann; a daughter, Kathy (Mike) Rollins, all of Le Mars; 8 grandchildren: Jenni (Michael) Brewer, Beau (Jess) Ortmann, Heather Ortmann, Heidi (Kyle) Ortmann, Cody (Addison) Ortmann, Shannon (Sam) Gerhardt, Trista (Chris) Hodgson, and Kristina (Justin) Fiedler; 28 great-grandchildren: Ashby, Knox, Paige, J.T., Tyler, Dominick, Zachery, Kandis, Tayla, Tate, Kyler, Calvin, Landon, Daymien, Taelynn, Seth, Adriana, Andrew, Tron, Nevaeh, Drake, Mason, Sierra, Decklan, Riley, Jash, Tom, and Cooper. Special mention to "Jack" the cat who loved Grandma and enjoyed sleeping on her lap. Gretch's grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the highlights of her life.

She is also survived by her sisters-in-laws, Sister Eleanor Ann S.E.C. of Northfield, IL, Joan Thommes of Omaha, NE, Sister Alice Mary S.E.C. of Northfield, IL, and Lynne Wetzel of Sioux City, IA; along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Gretch was preceded in death by her husband, Jim; her parents, Gilbert and Ann Wetzel; his parents in law, Edward Ortmann, Mary Ortmann, and Anna Ortmann; her siblings and their spouses: Jack Wetzel and Bill (Patsy) Wetzel; her in laws, Cyril (Rosemary) Ortmann, Irene (Clarence) Buetel, Ethel (Paul) Homan, and Bill Thommes; and, always close to her heart, her beautiful great-granddaughter, "Charley Jo" Brewer.

Special thank you to Gretch's team of caregivers, Kayla, Penny, Susie, and Tabitha, who assisted the family in keeping her home as long as possible after Jim's passing.

Thank you to the St. Croix Hospice team for the amazing compassion and dedication that you provide to families and their loved ones.