Mark Edward Ortman

POUND, Wis. - Mark Edward Ortman, 64, of Pound, Wisconsin, died unexpectedly at home on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024.

He was born Dec. 2, 1959, in Mitchell, South Dakota, to Edward and Bernice (Becker) Ortman. He graduated from Pipestone Area High School with the class of 1978. Mark received a bachelor's degree in pastoral studies in 1982 from North Central Bible College in Minneapolis. He married Ruth Tims on Sept. 3, 1983, in Slayton, Minnesota, and together they raised two children, Joel and Jessica.

As a pastor, Mark began his ministry in Greenwood, Wisconsin, and also served in Omro and Antigo in the same state, as well as in the Minnesota communities of Granada and Windom. He officially retired from the ministry after 24 years at Ironwood Church of the Assembly of God in Ironwood, Michigan, in April of 2023.

Mark and Ruth then moved to Pound to be near kids and grandkids. Mark continued his ministry at Hillside North, leading an adult Bible Study and helping as needed. His love for the Lord was tangible as he continued to serve others and was always willing to help anyone in need.

Mark was very active within the Wisconsin Northern Michigan Network of Assembly of God Churches. He served on the advisory board for Assembly Park Bible Camp at Lake Nebagamon, as well as several terms as Section 1 Presbyter. Locally, he was the president of the Ironwood Clergy Association.

Mark loved to study and share God's word. He was a loving husband and devoted father and grandfather. He also enjoyed woodworking, from rough carpentry to fine craftsmanship, creating many heirloom pieces for family and friends. Other hobbies included music: he sang and played multiple instruments. He loved everything about trains, hunting, fishing, reading, grilling and gardening (plants don't have opinions!).

Mark was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Linda Farmer. Survivors are his wife of 41 years, Ruth; son, Joel (Dr. Holly) Ortman of Marinette; daughter, Jessica Ortman of Peshtigo; three grandchildren, Adriana, Julia and baby due in March 2025; brother, Dale (Tonia) Ortman and family of Jasper, Georgia; and brother-in-law, Calvin Farmer and family of Pipestone, Minnesota. He is also survived by uncles, aunts and cousins, along with other relations.

Services were held in Wisconsin on Tuesday, Dec. 3, at Hillside Assembly of God in Gillette, with the Rev. Jonathan Carlson officiating, along with the Rev. Paul Carlson, District Superintendent Reverend John Davis, and the Rev. Dean Hinther. Committal service and burial took place at Brazeau Cemetery in Klondike.

Jones Funeral Service in Oconto Falls is serving the Ortman family.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting memorials be designated toward Fire Bibles and Assemblies of God World Missions.