Franz Ortloff, a native Helena resident, passed away on Tuesday, September 25 of lung cancer.
Franz was born on June 21, 1937 in Helena at St. Peter’s Hospital to Carl Henry Ortloff and Valeria Elizabeth (Woods) Ortloff.
He began his education at Bryant School. After dropping out of High School, he returned to graduate from Helena High School after completing night classes at the Helena Schools Evening Adult Education Program. For several years he thoroughly enjoyed meeting some of his classmates for their monthly luncheon. As a youth, he shared the love of music with his dad who taught him to play the accordion. While in school he also played the flute and piccolo and played in the Helena City Band and the Helena Symphony for several years.
Franz was a man of many talents. He enjoyed various hobbies throughout his life. As a young man working as a mechanic, he found a love for racing stock cars, Myrtle the Turtle for example, throughout Montana. He also enjoyed playing and teaching guitar. While his sons were young and active in Boy Scout Troop 213, he was the Assistant Leader and had a wonderful time camping, doing community service projects, wilderness training along with other fun activities. He also coached the Little Angels baseball team. During this period in his life, his dad, family and he converted a 48 passenger school bus into a motor home that he took the team to the championship game in Townsend in. That was a very proud day for him because the team won the game with the score of 13 to 1 – knowing dad, I bet he took them all for ice cream to celebrate. The family had some of the best times on vacations in that bus camping around Montana and travelling all over. He was also one of the founders of a program called The World of Work that was sponsored through the Helena Trades and Labor Council. This program brought under-privileged youth in the state of Montana to Helena for a two week session that included several learning opportunities along with some fun. One year the closing activity was a trip to the Gates of the Mountains for some hiking, swimming and a Bar-B-Que. A little later on in life, he took up model ship building. He spent around 12,000 hours building the Serapis which is the largest one he built. The instructions were written in Italian but that wasn’t going to stop him. Because it is such a work of art, he also built a case to preserve it and keep it safe. The Serapis was on loan to the hobby shop on 11th Avenue and when Franz wanted to bring her home, they tried hard to convince Franz to let it stay. After retirement he explored Arizona as a snowbird and met some fantastic friends. He also enjoyed working as the Secretary/Treasurer for the Big Sky Family Motor Coach Association. Franz spent a lot of time working his motor skills by putting together puzzles. There wasn’t a puzzle out there he couldn’t master!
Franz began his working life as a mechanic at Last Chance Motors, and was the Shop Steward which began the career of his life. He was the Business Agent for Local 231 and was promoted to Grand Lodge Representative for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers on the Organizing Team. He worked all over the United States. His goal in life was to help the blue collar workers improve their lives and the life of their families.
He married and is survived by the love of his life Connie Ilene Kline of Helena on September 3, 1956 and recently celebrated their 56th Anniversary.
Franz is also survived by his children Mike Ortloff, Tim Ortloff (Carla), Carl Ortloff (Julia), and Rose Felter (Chuck) all of Helena. He is also survived by his Grandchildren Lisa Defors (Tim of Seattle, WA), JoEtt Cook (Helena), Zach Cook (Stephanie of Helena), Elli Ortloff (Helena), Adam Guyton (Alexis of Idaho), Krystal Ortloff (Helena), Aaron Guyton, Shane Ortloff (Helena), Andrea Lusky (Jen of Helena), Tori Cook (Helena), Inga Ortloff (Missoula), Anthony Ortloff (Helena). His surviving Great Grandchildren are Makenzie Cook (Helena), Heaven Tilley (Helena), Lazarus Koger Ortloff (Helena), Darion Blackford (Helena), Sophi Cook (Helena), Zoey Guyton (Missoula), and Damon Blackford (Helena).
He is preceded in death by his mom and dad Carl and Valeria Ortloff and his brother Eric Ortloff.
Franz was well-respected, generous, kind, and a dedicated man loved by many.
A visitation will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 3, 2012 at Labor Temple, 110 N. Warren. A Memorial Service to celebrate Franz’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, October 4, 2012 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A reception will follow in the in the social hall at the funeral home. The family asks that memorial donations be made to Guide Dogs of America at 13445 Glenoaks Blvd, Sylmar, CA 91342. For more information please visit www.guidedogsofamerica.org . Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family condolences of share a memory of Franz.
Service Schedule
Visitation
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday October 3, 2012
Labor Temple
110 N. Warren
Helena , MT 59601
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Thursday October 4, 2012
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, MT 59602
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Wednesday October 3, 2012
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Visitation
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday October 3, 2012
Labor Temple
110 N. Warren
Helena , MT 59601
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Thursday October 4, 2012
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, MT 59602
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Wednesday October 3, 2012
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Gail DeBono (CVS) says
Connie . . . I’m so sorry about Franz. I will always remember him with his big smile. Please know that I’m here for you if there is anything I can do. If nothing else, I’m always good for hugs! Try to remember the good times, it does make it a little easier. Be kind to yourself and have no regrets . . . you were there for him every step of the way.
Curt Black says
Connie, Mike, Tim, Carl and Rose,
Sorry to hear about Franz passing. You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this trying time. I cannot attend the service but will be there in spirit. Peace to all, Curt
Judy Webster says
Dear Carl and Family,
Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of your dad. I now know where you get your good looks, zest for life, and a love for camping. Keep the memories going. God Bless.
Mary Bennitt Harker says
Dear family,
We are so sorry!
We will fondly remember Franz when
he was is teenager & his
Father Carl, when they worked for our
Mother & Dad ,Nola& Russell Bennitt
doing whatever needed to be done!
They were deligent & always a pleasure
to be around. GOD BLESS YOU!
They left you Loving Legacy.
Mary & John Bennitt
Don & Bev. Clemens says
Dear friend Connie, Know that we hold you in our hearts and am so sorry for your loss. Franz will be sorely missed, but remembered affectionately for many wonderful reasons.
Love/God bless, to you and your family,
Don/Bev. Clemens
Retired Machinist Officer’s Club
Cynthia Ward says
to the Ortloff family , I am so sorry for your loss, Tim and Mike you may remember me as Spencer’s cousin from Deer Lodge. I pray that all of the fond memories of your dad with help you with this time of grief.
Also for your other family members I am so sorry for your loss. God bless you each one..
Cindy Ward.
Jackie Minton says
Franz was a true friend of the working class and also his brothers in the
Machinists Union and their familys, his wit and smile will be missed by all. My Love and Prayers are with you and the faimily. Jackie Minton
Gina Beneventi Tweden says
Dear Ortloff Family,
Thinking of you at your time of great loss. My thoughts and prayers are with each and
everyone of you.
Love,
Gina
Paul Hester says
Connie, Mike, Tim, Carl & Rose,
My father just sent me the notice of Mr. Ortloff’s (Hey – he was always Mr. Ortloff _ I was young) passing. He is the Scoutmaster I remember best. My fondest memory of him is his working with the three Mikes and the kid with the weird name building and operating our stock car back in the day. Oh yes – and introducing us all to Pork Chop Johns in Butte after the races. You have all of my sympathy and love as always. Being ex-Navy . . . Mr. Ortloff – Fair winds, Calm Seas and Godspeed my friend. Love you all, Paul
JIM & MARIAN JANKE says
HI CONNIE AND FAMILY—YOU HAVE OUR SYMPATHIES AND LOVE AND HOPE FOR THE FUTURE. FRANZ WAS A REAL WORKER AND WE ALL APPRECIATE HIS EFFORTS FOR THE BIG SKY FMCA CHAPTER. IT WAS ALWAYS FUN TO VISIT WITH FRANZ AND TALK ABOUT MOTORHOMES AND ALL.
CARRY ON, SINCERELY, MARIAN & JIM
Winston and Carole Morrissey says
Connie and Family – How much we will all be missing Franz with his cheerful attitude and how he was always helping others. You both became dear friends and we will miss Franz tremendously. You know that you can rely on us in anything that you need.
Love Winston and Carole
MaryAnn Ranger says
Connie and family-I am sorry for your loss. Am sending my prayers for comfort in your time of loss. God Bless.
Art & Connie Ortega says
Connie & Family,
We want you to know that Franz will be missed so very much. We will remember always his Big Smile & Laughter that he brought to conversations at our get togethers.
Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Ken & Barbara Richey says
Connie,
We were so sorry to hear of Franz’s passing and will miss him at our annual gathering. Take care and know we are thinking of you during this difficult time.