Kenneth J. Schortgen

OTTAWA - Kenneth J. Schortgen, 78, of Ottawa, passed away due to complications from pneumonia, on Friday, December 9, 2016 at OSU Wexner Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on January 26, 1938, in Deshler, to the late Florian and Emma (Dunzer) Schortgen. On June 13, 1964, he married Carolgene Wannemacher who survives in Ottawa.

Ken is also survived by three daughters, Clare (Jude) Reter of Bexley, Erica (Rich) Zimmerman of Columbus, and Lori (Terry) Porter of Worthington; four grandchildren, Griffin and Truman Reter, Emma and Charlotte Porter; two sisters, Janet (John) Schroeder and Kathleen Barlage of Ottawa; three brothers, Deacon Jim (Marilyn) Schortgen and Jerry (Sandy) Schortgen of Hamler, Don (Shirley) Schortgen of Saddlebrook, MO; and three sisters-in-law, Helen Weis of Columbus Grove, Diane Nienberg of Glandorf and Marita (Mark) Odenweller of Elida and Marilyn Wannemacher of Cloverdale.

He was preceded in death by brother Charles and sister-in-law Rosemary Schortgen; four brothers-in-law, Melvin Barlage, Roger Wannemacher, Melvin Nienberg and Eugene Weis.

An accomplished musician of brass, percussive, and woodwind instruments, Ken began his enduring love of music at age 5 with piano lessons. After attending Hamler High School, Defiance College, and The Ohio State University, he enjoyed a teaching career as an instrumental music instructor and band director for 31 years at Continental, Lincolnview, and Ottawa-Glandorf schools. Kenny and his cousin and dear friend, the late Louie Breece, formed the Ottawa-Glandorf High School Titan Brass—the Band with Class. As a lifelong teacher and mentor, he taught private music lessons to countless students and dedicated his life to sharing his appreciation for the universal language of music. After his retirement in 1991, Ken continued his musical passion by restoring, refinishing, and tuning pianos with his business, Ottawa Piano Tuning and Repair. He performed with the LB Quartet for 22 years and was a current member of the Putnam County Community Band.

Throughout their 52 years of marriage, Ken and Carol enjoyed camping, home projects, and family trips. In their retirement, Ken and Carol enjoyed traveling the world with friends, attending concerts, and solving crossword puzzles and jumbles.

As a loving Dad and Gramps, he always had the right words to say and was present in the lives of his children and grandchildren. His family loved his sense of humor and never tired of his "Ken-isms." His girls admired Dad's ability to fix anything and appreciated that he was just a phone call away for instructions. His sons-in-law enjoyed spending time with him watching movies, discussing music, and reminiscing about Ken's past. You could always find Ken sitting with his cat, Samson, on his lap watching mystery television shows. Ken will be sadly missed by family, friends, and students.

Ken was a member of the Retired Teachers' Association, Ohio Music Educators' Association, The Piano Technicians Guild, American Federation of Musicians, Ottawa Senior Center, and Sts Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Ottawa.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 14 at 10:30 am at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church with Fr. Matt Jozefiak officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held Tuesday, December 13 from 2:00-8:00 pm at Love Funeral Home, Ottawa.  Memorial donations may be made to the Friends of the Putnam County Library or O-G High School Band Scholarship.

Condolences may be expressed at:  www.lovefuneralhome.com