Born June 24, 1943, died November 15, 2023. Fortified with the Sacraments of the Holy Mother Church after battling a sudden medical crisis, David Ortbals died peacefully on November 15, 2023, surrounded by his wife and children. Born and raised in St. Louis and a longtime resident of Naples, FL, David was a brilliant physician, an adoring husband, father, OPA, brother, uncle, and cousin, and a friend to many. David is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Jane; his children, Renee Altier (Paul), David Jr. (Kari), Christopher (Carrie); his stepdaughter Christine Ramsey (Chad); and his nine grandchildren (Luke, Pierce, and Gabriel Altier; Ella and Parker Ortbals; Ryan and Ethan Ortbals; CJ and Caiya Ramsey). He is also survived by his former wife and mother of his children, Mary Beth Ortbals, and his siblings, Gerry (Mary Lou, dec.), Larry (Diana, dec.), Nancy Simon (Tom), Jim (Eileen), and Marilyn.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to St. Louis University or a charity of your choice.

Services: Visitation: December 12, 2023, 4-8 p.m. at Bopp Chapel, 10610 Manchester Road, Kirkwood, MO, 63122. Funeral Mass: St. Gabriel the Archangel Church, 10 a.m. December 13, 2023, 6303 Nottingham Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63109. www.boppchapel.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by St. Louis Post-Dispatch on Dec. 3, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for David Ortbals

9 Entries

Darryl & Sheila Gold

March 23, 2024

Dr. Ortbals was an absolute kind, compassionate and brilliant physician and friend to all his patients. He improved the quality and quantity of life for both my parents, our family forever be grateful.
May his memory be a blessing to Jane and his family.

Tim and Julie Dailey

December 15, 2023

My wife Julie and I were long time patients of Dr. Ortbals and his wife, Jane. We always had great trust and admiration for both of them professionally and personally. Jane, and family, know that we are saddened to hear he has passed. Ironically, we just heard the news this morning while getting our yearly physical. Our condolences, thoughts and prayers are with Jane and the Ortbal family. Peace and Love, Tim and Julie

Denise Farinella

December 12, 2023

My most deep felt condolences to Dr. Ortbals family. My Dad and my mom were long time patients of Dr. Ortbals. I swear, he saved my Dad´s life on more than one occasion! His personal notes on each patient were impeccable! He had such a wonderful way of connecting with every one who saw him! My sister, Donna worked with him for many years at St Luke´s. She worked in the vascular lab and he was a great friend to her. I too, became his patient and he took such great care of me. I was so sad when he retired! I remember the reception and I still have my coffee mug with his smiling face! He was the most compassionate, honest and brilliant doctor and friend. He touched my whole family and he will be remembered as one of the greatest of all times! We are sending love, prayers and many hugs to all of his loved ones! May you find comfort knowing that he was loved by many and May the many memories bring joy to your hearts. Love, the Donald and Patricia Appelbaum family (Donna, Diana, Denise, Mary and Tom)
FYI: My dearest dad passed in 2019 and my dear sister, Donna passed in 2020. My mom is 92 and we cherish every moment we have with her!
Love and prayers to you all! How proud he must be of his beautiful family! His light will forever shine in your hearts!

Monika Elcan

December 8, 2023

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Wishing you and the Family peace during this difficult time.
I meet Dr. Ortbals 10 years ago at Reliance Bank. We had built such good relationship so that I became Dr. Ortbals personal banker and he let me handle all his banking needs. Even after he moved to Naples Florida, we stayed in contact, and I was his long-distance banker. Every time Dr. Ortbals and His wife Mary Jane came to St Louis to visit family, he would stop by my branch to say hello. He will be missed very much. I will continue to take care of Mrs. Ortbals with my good customer service.
Monika Elcan and Family.

Mike and Sheri Murphy

December 4, 2023

Nancy and Tom, Sheri and I are very sorry for your loss.

Deanna and Tom Cignetti

December 3, 2023

There was no better physician or person than Dr. Ortbals. He took wonderful care of my husband. One of my lasting memories was when I was a relatively new nurse. I had really had no experience with death.My first experience was with one of his patients. After the patient passed away,I walked out of the room, determined not to cry.Dr Ortbals came up to me, put his arm around me and said " It is ok to cry,which gave me permission to cry. He taught me it was ok to be human. Thank you Dr. Ortbals; you will be deeply missed and fly high, continuing to watch over everyone. Jane and family, Tom and I are so sorry for your loss

Ralph & Suzanne Friedmann

Planted Trees

Eric Armour

November 21, 2023

Dave was kind enough to ask me to join the Bocce team he was Captaining at Mediterra when I first joined the club. Thought he was crazy as I was terrible but he was very supportive and thanks to that I stuck with the team and got to meet a lot of nice people. Dave was a consummate gentleman at all times and he will be sorely missed.

Frank Scarpa

November 21, 2023

I first met David on the golf course at Mediterranean about ten years ago. The fact that we were both physicians and contemporaries proved to be a bond. We often shared interesting anecdotes from our careers, commonly centering on infectious disease. It was immediately apparent to me that David was a serious and well-trained physician who still enjoyed his work and continued to provide care even into retirement. There was never a time when we crossed paths that we did not greet each other warmly and effusively. I will miss him very much, and I am grateful for the fond memories. Frank Scarpa

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