It is with sorrow and gratitude that we mark the passing of Arnold "Arnie" Gortmaker, 91, — sorrow at the loss, gratitude for the life.
What follows is a brief look at the life his family wishes to share.
The story begins in 1924, with the arrival of a life that would be cherished by many.
Arnold held deeply to the Lutheran faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew him best.
Service is one chapter of a life, but for those who serve, it shapes every other.
Arnold Gortmaker, 91, of rural Monroe, died Wednesday, October 21, 2015 at the Sanford Foundation Hospice Cottage, Sioux Falls. Funeral services will be at 2:00pm Saturday, October 24, 2015 at Faith Lutheran Church, 511 S Main St, Humboldt with burial at Spring Valley Baptist Cemetery, rural Monroe. Visitation with family present will be from 5-7pm Friday evening at Hofmeister Jones Funeral Home, Parker. Arnold "Arnie" Ira Gortmaker was born on March 11, 1924 at Sioux Falls, SD to Ben and Tracie (Witkop) Gortmaker. After graduating from Monroe High School he served in the US Army in Europe during WW II. Following his discharge from the service he returned home to rural Monroe and started farming. On July 31, 1959 he was united in marriage to Arliss Nelson of Parker. In addition to farming, Arnie took great pride in his Harley Davidson motorcycle and in his later years enjoyed visiting with all his friends. He was absolutely never at a loss for words and had a story for everyone he met. Grateful for having shared his life are his wife Arliss; a son Jeff and wife Connie; and a sister Ione Harris. He was preceded in death by his parents.
