Robert Ortner Obituary

Robert Aaron Ortner

Jul 11, 1948 - Nov 23, 2024

New London

Robert A. Ortner, of New London, died Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Cleveland Clinic-Hillcrest Hospital. He was 76 years old. Born July 11, 1948, in Norwalk to the late Ferdinand "Ferd" and Jane (Becker) Ortner, he was a 1966 New London High School graduate, the class President, and Valedictorian. Rob loved his classmates and truly enjoyed their reunions, serving as reunion committee chair and treasurer.

Rob was an entrepreneur and a problem solver. Upon graduating from University of Cincinnati, he assumed his father's business, Ortner Insulating. Rob also worked with Ferd on the farm and took over the operation in the early 1980s. In 1983, he joined Chester's Tax Service in Wakeman. He never retired because he truly enjoyed seeing his clients every year.

Rob served his community in many ways. He was a member of New London Ruritan for many years. He also was the secretary of New London Township Zoning Commission since 1982.

Witty and loving, Rob was a loyal friend, who was always ethical and resourceful. He loved fall colors, sunrises and sunsets, and photographing nature.

He enjoyed spirited driving, car shows, and auto races and was a 45-year member of the Alfa Romeo Owners Club.

Rob is survived by his loving soulmate of 14 years, Jane Magargee; son, Aaron (Lori) Ortner of Norwalk; stepson, Jarrod (Sarah) Kipp of Norwalk; stepdaughters, Natalie (Rick) Bowers of New London and Jessica (Dan Whitaker) Kipp of New London; sister, Carol (David) Stoepker of Portage, Michigan; 11 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews, and many cousins.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his late wife, Lea Ortner; and brother, James Ortner.

Friends and family are invited to Rob's visitation beginning at 11 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, at Eastman Funeral Home, 200 W. Main St., New London. Burial will follow at Wakeman Cemetery, 5429 State Route 303, Wakeman.

Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice, but Rob would have delighted in anything related to the benefit of children, Native Americans, or our military.

Online expressions of sympathy may be made by visiting www.eastmanfuneralhome.com