Donald E. Ortolf

June 4, 1927 - November 5, 2016

Donald Elmer Ortolf, the only child of German immigrants, Elmer and Freda (Schelhorn) Ortolf, was born June 4, 1927 and passed peacefully at home on November 5, 2016. He was 89 years old. Don was a 1945 graduate of Hamilton High School. After graduation, he entered the United States Navy, where he served on a mine sweeper in the South Pacific and was Honorably Discharged after the war. He attended Miami University before starting his career as a Pattern Maker, working with his father at Buckeye Pattern Works. He was part owner of Saylor Park Pattern at his retirement. Don was a lifelong member of First St. John UCC and a Mason for 65 years. On July 3, 1948 he married Carol Schneider, whom he adored and cared for until her death in 1993. This union was blessed with two loving and devoted daughters, Sally Ortolf (Phillip Reed) and Susan Ortolf (Darrell Garland). Don, ‘Rhiphoppop’, was a ‘Father’ figure to many dear friends and was admired and loved by all. He leaves behind many loving nieces, nephews and their children, as well as his special friend, Barb. Don had numerous hobbies that he enjoyed. They included: Working on and driving his Ford Model A. Cooking. Relaxing at the family summer cottage. Boating and fishing. Playing golf with church buddies and with Dan, his lifelong friend. Listening to his police scanner. Playing Big Band music on his iPod. Marveling at Mother Nature’s wonders in his back yard. Working on many projects for his daughters, family and friends. Taking vacations with those he loved. Friends may call on the family from 10:00-11:00 AM Friday, November 11, 2016 at the Weigel Funeral Home, 980 NW Washington Blvd, Hamilton, Ohio, 45013. A Masonic Services and Memorial Service will follow 11 AM. Officiating will be Reverend Marvin Rettig. Honorary pallbearers are Rich Heck, Dan Ledford, Mick McDonald, Paul, Todd, Jeff McFarland, Tony Smith, and Wayne Wishart. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to: First St. John UCC, PO Box 1383, Hamilton, Ohio 45012 or Shriners’ Hospital for Children, 3229 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229.“Whenever you don’t understand what’s happening in your life, close your eyes, take a deep breath and say: God, I know it is your plan. Just help me through it.” Online condolences are available at www.weigelfuneralhome.com