Henrich 'Henry' H Ortmann

Henrich "Henry" H Ortmann passed away on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020, two days before his 82nd birthday.

Henry was born on Nov. 23, 1938, to Herman Ortmann and Elizabeth (Redekopp) Ortmann who came to the Lustre community as homesteaders. He attended Star school, 1 mile west of the family homestead, for eight years with perfect attendance. At age 14 Henry's father passed away and he took over the farm and all the duties that come along with it. He farmed with horses for the first few years until he purchased the farm's first rubber tired tractor.

On May 30, 1961, Henry married Theresa Busenitz from Whitewater, Kan. They had five children. He developed a passion for raising sheep and spent his lifetime improving his flock, including importing some sheep from Australia for wool quality.

Henry was extremely competitive and loved all sports with his favorite being softball. He loved to challenge nieces and nephews to foot races which he usually won. He read the Bible out loud every morning after breakfast and always closed in prayer with the family before going out to work.

Henry spent many years on the Lustre Christian High School Board and Wolf Point Bethel Mennonite Church Board of Directors.

Life lessons that Henry taught his family and friends were:

1. Love the LORD your God with all your heart, soul, and mind.

2. Working sheep on a hot summer day creates a lot of character!

3. When riding in the back of a pickup, choose your seat carefully always remembering spit travels downwind.

4. When in a foot race with Henry always remember that he will grab onto jackets, put his arm out to slow a person down or use the dog as a speed bump for the next person in order to win the race.

5. Expect payback if you play a practical jokes. Cherry popovers aren't as good when they are filled with mustard!

Heinrich was proceeded in death by his wife Theresa ,; and two sisters, Susie Busenitz and Martha Harmon.

He is survived by sister Ruth Roth, from Wamego, Kan .; children, Herman (Lee) Ortmann Imbler, Oregon, Dan (Sharon) Ortmann, Coon Rapids, Minn., Sam (Nancy) Ortmann, Lustre, Mont., Sharon (Jeff Hicok), New Brighton, Minn., and John (Jen) Ortmann, Highlands Ranch, Colo .; 14 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

A private family burial was held on Monday, Nov. 23, at the family cemetery.

Gifts and memorials can be given to Christina Busenitz (www.simusa.org).