William Ortman Jr. passed at the age of 89 at Aspirus Hospital in Portage, Wisconsin on July 30th, 2025 due to complications following surgery.

Bill was born November 1, 1935 in Deerfield, Wisconsin to William Sr. & Anna Ortman. The Ortman family moved to Wyocena, Wisconsin in 1938, and Bill grew up at the local general store owned by his father. Bill went to Wyocena Grade School and graduated from Portage High School in 1953. 

After graduating, Bill went to work at the Wyocena Cheese Factory. He joined the Army in 1955 and was stationed in Germany. After his 2 years in the service, he returned to the cheese factory until it closed in 1971. Bill then started his career as a prison guard. He began at the Fox Lake State Prison and spent the last 7 years of his career at the prison in Portage. He retired in 1993. 

Bill married Mary Connors on June 13th, 1959. They enjoyed 66 years of marriage together.

Bill is survived by his wife and children. These include his son, Jeff (Kim) Ortman of Albany, Wisconsin, and their children, Miranda (Shawn) and Samantha (Dave). He is also survived by his daughter Julie (Ken) Trager of Mazomanie, Wisconsin, and their children, Matthew and Mitchell. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Elaine (Jack) Noyce of LaCrosse, and in-laws Mike & Mabel Connors of Cazenovia. 

No funeral service will be held.