Fredrix (Pete) Ortman

Fredrix Ortman was born August 31, 1920 in Kalamazoo, MI and moved to Grand Rapids with his mother Nancy Minerva and siblings Richard, Donald, Maxine, Alice, Margaret and Jack.

Fred grew up on the North End of town and graduated from Creston High School in 1938. He was also a State Golden Gloves champion. He entered the Navy during WW II and lost his brother in 1944 on the island of Leyte in the Philippines.

Fred met his beautiful bride of 74 years Arlene Boldt in St. Paul, MN while attending Naval School. He graduated from GRJC, and after the war he and Arlene began raising their three kids, Linda, Jack, and Bruce. He kept busy building the family’s home on Sinclair Avenue, coaching Little League, and Indian Scouts. He worked at Brule Hardware before moving to McMurray distributing.  In 1968 Fred, and Bob Williams founded Williams Distributing.  After helping guide Williams to the successful company that it continues to be today, he retired and spent his time taking care of his rentals, going to estate sales, and spending time at his favorite place, the family cottage in Pentwater. Fred loved looking for a bargain, selling anything, his garden or just going to the Pentwater State Park for a picnic.

He will be missed by his daughter’s-in-law Kathy, and Cathy; Grandkids Kristi and Joe, Keith and Debbie, and Nancy and Shane, along with his 7 great grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the loving and caring staff at Rest Haven Home for treating and caring for Fred and Arlene like family. 

Fred passed away peacefully on November 6, 2018

There will be a visitation to remember both Fred and Arlene Tuesday, November 13 from 5-7 PM at Memorial Alternatives Chapel, 2432 Fuller Ave NE Grand Rapids, MI

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