John H. Ortner

John H. Ortner, Age 91 went to be with his Lord and Savior Thursday September 2, 2010, in Spokane, WA. He was born June 28, 1919, to John and Lina Ortner in Spokane, WA. John had a lifelong love of music as well as traveling with his wife of 59 years, Ruth. Other hobbies included fishing, boating, gardening and horseback riding. Ruth preceded John in death in 2007. In his youth John worked in his father’s greenhouses leading to a horticulture degree from Washington State College in 1942. He owned and operated flower shops in the Spokane area, including the Davenport Hotel, and in Colfax. He traveled the US and Canada conducting floral design and professional development seminars. He was a charter member of St. Luke Lutheran Church. His work with the church also included conducting training sessions in evangelism for Lutheran and other denominations. He served on the Board of Directors of Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, Berkeley, CA. John spent several years as a captain in US Army Counter Intelligence during World War II serving in the US and Japan. After living in the Spokane area his whole life, John and Ruth moved to Park Place Retirement Community in 2003. He began playing piano for social events and Sunday morning worship continuing a life long love of music. He is survived by his loving sister, Marion Mitchell of Heathsville, VA; daughter, Monne (Mike) Ironside of Covington, WA; son, John (Judy) Ortner of Kettle Falls, WA; 6 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday September 11, 2010, at Park Place Retirement Community 511 S. Park Rd, Spokane Valley in the large red brick building in the center of the campus.