Gerald G Vortman

Per Gerald's wisheshis bodywas donated to the Nebraska Anatomical Board for medical research.

Friends may sign the book at the funeral home Monday till 5:00 PM.

Gerald Gustav Vortman was born on February 26, 1924 to Adolph and Hulda (Elting) Vortman in Carleton, Nebraska. He was baptized as an infant in the Christian faith at Trinity Lutheran Church, Hebron, Nebraska and later confirmed his faith at the same church on May 29, 1938 with Reverend Theodore Droegemueller officiating. Gerald attended rural school thru the 8 ^th grade and then Carleton High School graduating in 1942. Gerald then attended the Grand Island Business School after which he entered into military service in January 1945. He served in the United States Navy as a radar operator on the mine sweeper U.S.S. Prime until being honorably discharged in July 1946. Gerald was united in marriage on November 25, 1951 to Hilda L. H. Krueger at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in rural Gilead, Nebraska. Gerald and Hilda opened their home and hearts as foster parents to Walter Ostmann. God then blessed them with their first child, Karen Marie in 1959. They were blessed again with their second child, Jonathan Lynn in 1962, and blessed one more time with their third child, Paul Brian in 1964.Gerald farmed on the family farm southwest of Carleton until his retirement. Through all these years, he served on various boards; Norris Public Power, Nebraska Soybeans Association, Citizen State Bank, and the Farmers Elevator Board. He was a member of the American Legion, Rotary Club, Toastmasters, and was active in Walther League. Gerald & Hilda were one of the founding families of Faith Lutheran Church, Hebron, where he was an active Elder and taught the high school youth class. As a pastime, Gerald could be found dancing with Hilda as members of the Spring Creek Swingers. After retiring from farming, Gerald and Hilda moved into Hebron where he kept busy working for Brad Elting Real Estate, Price Funeral Home and Blue Valley Nursing Home. He also volunteered as a mentor for the team mates program at Hebron public schools. Gerald and Hilda’s love for children was shown and shared by caring for many children in the Thayer County area. Gerald left this earthly life on Friday, April 29, 2016 at the Heritage Care Center in Fairbury, Nebraska. He was preceded in death by his parents; two children Karen and Paul; and sister Ruth Klopfenstein. He will be forever remembered by his wife Hilda of their home; son Jonathan and wife Amy of New Cambria, MO; six grandchildren, Britny Weidemand and husband Davis, Davenport, NE, Shae Street and husband Chris, Davenport, NE, Jordan Reid and husband Nikolas, New Cambria, MO, George Underwood, Anna Vortman, and Simeon Vortman all of New Cambria, MO; a great grandchild, Dahlila Street; nieces, nephews, other relatives; and a host of friends. Gerald will be missed, but we are grateful for the time we have been given.