Dorothy Louise Orthman's Obituary
Dorothy Louise Orthman passed away on Monday, January 2nd at 85 years of age. She was born on June 8, 1937, in Warsaw, Indiana to Goldie Iris Madden McKeeman and John Virgil McKeeman. Dorothy was united in marriage to her beloved husband, Thomas Frank Orthman, Sr., on September 1, 1956, at Christ Lutheran Church in Woodburn, Indiana.
Dorothy is survived by her daughter; Deborah Orthman Norris (Lee), her granddaughters, Jessica Nicole Norris. and Stephanie Elizabeth Norris; and son, Thomas F. Orthman, Jr., from Norcross, Georgia.
Also surviving Dorothy are brother, David McKeeman, sisters, Dolores Ann Koble, and Cynthia Wick (Dave), sister-in-law, Louise Orthman, brother-in-law, Jim Orthman (Rosie). Predeceasing her are her parents; sisters, Nancy Blake Stone, Doris Bechtel Sepnieski, Shirley Smith, Rita McKeeman; brothers, Gerald McKeeman, Larry Mckeeman, Dick Wahl; in-laws, Karen Orthman McKeeman, Jaques Orthman. Dot had numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Dot graduated from Harlan High School in Harlan, Indiana in 1955. She loved working as a secretary at General Electric in Fort Wayne, Indiana and later at McGill Bearings in Valparaiso, Indiana. In 1963, Tom and Dot fulfilled a long-held dream of moving to Fort Myers where they transferred their membership to Saint Michael Lutheran Church. They were active volunteers in both the church and school.
Dot was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. She was tirelessly generous with her time, especially as a devoted granny nanny to Jessica and Stephanie.
Dot was a homemaker and active volunteer. She met many friends through the Fort Myers Women’s Community Club where she held various positions including President. A special memory was decorating the Edison home for Holiday House. Tom and Dot were active in the Edison Pageant of Light. She belonged to Modern Homemakers, Book Club, Carissa Garden Club, Garden Council, was a Life Member of Girl Scouts serving as District President and Cookie Chairman, and bravely, a Boy Scout Den Mother. Tom and Dot were humbled to receive the Altruists of the Year award.
In her empty nest years, Dot had fun with the Purple Rosettes Chapter of the Red Hatters. The Orthmans kept a busy social life with First Federal Savings and Loan of Fort Myers, Rotary, many charitable organizations, and the Royal Palm Yacht Club where she was nicknamed “Commadorable.” Her biggest splurge was surprising Tom with the purchase of a boat aptly named “Magic Moments.”
A few of her favorite things include holding babies, Thomas Kinkade art, flowers, hosting parties, and her friends who share that she was so sweet. Dottie also had a mischievous humor at times and funny stories abound.
Visitation will be at the Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, 1589 Colonial Boulevard, Fort Myers, FL 33907, 239-936-0555 from 6:00-7:30 PM on Thursday, January 5, 2023.
A celebration of Dot’s life will be held at Saint Michael Lutheran Church, 3595 Broadway in Fort Myers at 4:30 PM on Friday, January 6, 2023 with Reverend Jon Zehnder officiating. For those unable to attend, the service may be viewed at www.smlcftmyers.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:
Saint Michael Lutheran School Foundation
3595 Broadway, Fort Myers, Florida, 33901
You are invited to sign her guest register at www.fortmyersmemorial.com
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Fort Myers Memorial Gardens.
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