Joseph "Joe" J. Ortner

Joseph “Joe” J. Ortner, a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at the ThedaCare Medical Center in Shawano. 

Born in Clintonville, WI to Raymond and Irene (Nitke) Ortner, Joe grew up and remained living in his childhood home in the Split Rock area. Joe’s life will be marked with his deep love for his family, kind and gentle nature, and his unmatched work ethic. 

Throughout his life, Joe had a special talent to fix just about anything and would be there to help anyone in need. He especially enjoyed working on and restoring vehicles. He passed his knowledge onto his children and grandchildren and was always ready to give advice when needed. 

Joe worked throughout his life driving draglines, backhoes, and bulldozers and has worked on many properties around the area due to his incredible talent. Most recently Joe drove log truck for his good friend Bill Radies which he enjoyed. A man of few hobbies, Joe instead took great pride in a hard days work and a job well done. This was evident by FINALLY retiring in November of 2024 at age 80. In his younger years, Joe liked to cruise the streets of Clintonville and there he met the love of his life, Shirley Sanders. Joe and Shirley were united in marriage on November 14, 1964 at the United Methodist Church in Clintonville. During their 60 years of marriage Joe and Shirley spent all of their time together. Spending time with family and friends, finding the best prime rib at numerous supper clubs, and going for drives in the 1964 Corvette he restored were things he enjoyed most. 

Joe also loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. While a quiet man, his love of them all was evident to others by his smile and pride he showed. 

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Shirley Ortner.
His Children: Jeffrey (Donna) Ortner, John (Lisa) Ortner, Victoria (Lee) Berg, and David (Rhonda) Ortner.
Grandchildren: Bradley Schmid, Rebecca (Brad) Duckworth, Jacob (Becca) Schmid, Taylor Ortner, Tyler (Amanda) Berg, Emily Ortner, Erin Ortner, Alec (Kylie) Berg, Trenton Ortner, Madisen Ortner, Joseph Ortner, Evelyn Ortner, and Lucas Ortner. 
Great-Grandchildren: Hunter, Kendal, Bennett, Beau, Mitchel, Laiklyn, Darick, Saylor, Dallas, Jayne, and Halle.
A Sister: Patricia Roever
Brothers-in-law: Gary Hidde, and Tom, Bill, and Gary Sanders. 
A Daughter-in-law: Ann Ortner.
Also numerous nieces and nephews. 

Joe was preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Irene Ortner, a grandson Jordan Ortner, brother Ramon (Maynard) Ortner, sisters-in-law Galena Ortner, Sandra Smith, and Diana Hidde, and brothers-in-law Donald Smith and Donald Roever. 

The Ortner family would like to express special thanks to Dr. Robert Ballard who’s superior surgical skills allowed us almost 7 more years with our father, grandfather, and husband. 

Per Joe’s request, no funeral services will be scheduled. The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory of Tigerton is assisting his family. 

And to Joe from his family….”We loved you more!”