William F Ortgessen

William “Bill” F. Ortgessen, 88, of Petersburg, passed away on Saturday, July 21, 2012 at Sunny Acres Nursing Home. He was born on June 11, 1924 in Petersburg to William and Susanna Andree Ortgessen. He married Helen Faye Miller on March 16, 1947. Bill is survived by his daughter, Jana (Wayne) Winkelmann, and a son, Dan (Janet) Ortgessen both of Petersburg; his family also includes three grandchildren, Jay (Christy) Winkelmann, Heather (deceased) husband, John Cotner, and Luke (Megan) Ortgessen; and five great grandchildren, Laura and Sara Winkelmann, Mackenzie and Cael Cotner, and Rowan Ortgessen. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Ortgessen and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Helen, of 64 years; two sisters Helen Darr and Glenna Peyton; and a granddaughter. Bill proudly served his country in the United States Army during WWII from June 1943 to December 1945. His service included tours in the European, African, and Middle Eastern Theaters. Bill was very involved in his community. He was a 65 year member of Petersburg United Methodist Church, past president of the Petersburg Jaycees, past president of R.S.E.S., member of the Menard County Historical Society, past commander of the American Legion Kirby-Watkins Post #198, and for a time served as assistant Scoutmaster. For several years he coached a Little League team and also served as umpire. Bill also held numerous offices in the school and church. He was a member of the Petersburg Fire Department for 45 years and had served as assistant Fire Chief. He was also selected as First Citizen of Petersburg in 2001. Bill loved to travel. He returned to Germany three times, once with his wife, once with his grandsons Jay and Luke, and once with his sister Mary. Bill also enjoyed golfing and trips to the Riverboat. Bill was employed by Harold Derry (Derry Hardware) for several years, then he and his son Dan started their own heating, cooling and refrigeration company, Bill and Dan Ortgessen Sales and Service. After retiring from his business he continued to work for Martin Service. Bill was a member of the Refrigeration Service Engineer Society. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 25, 2012 at 10:00 am at Petersburg United Methodist Church. Visitation will be held from 4 to7 pm Tuesday evening at Hurley Funeral Home in Petersburg. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Petersburg United Methodist, Menard County Food Pantry, or Countryside Estates. Online memorial messages may be left for his family at www.hurleyfh.com Hurley Funeral Home in Petersburg is in charge of arrangements.

William F Ortgessen

June 11, 1924 - July 21, 2012

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