Harry L. Ohrtman, 85, of Rapid City passed away on Monday, August 28, 2023 at his home, surrounded by his family. It was the date of his mother's birthday. What a birthday gift for her!

Harry lived a life full of great memories and great people.

Harry was born in Rapid City, SD on July 5, 1938, at the Black Hills Methodist Hospital. He was the first son born to Harry Ohrtman Sr. and Willa Mae Ohrtman. Harry spent the first 12 years of his life in downtown Rapid City where he attended Rapid City Jefferson through 6th grade. When he was 12 years old, the family moved to their future home east of Black Hawk.  He attended Zach Holmes school for two years, graduated 8th grade from Meade County and then went to Rapid City High School.  Although he took quite a few skip days to watch the progress on the Pactola Dam, (which is mother refused to call and excuse him) he graduated in 1956, with the class slogan of "Tough as nails, hard as bricks, we're the class of '56!" From there he entered the U.S. Navy where he was able to travel the world and serve his country. After 3 years he returned to Rapid City where he began working at South Dakota Cement Plant. He was on the Bull Gang in the quarry for $.85 an hour. He retired from the Cement Plant in 2000 after finishing his career as Maintenance Superintendent.  In the spring of 1959, Colleen and Harry began dating, with Colleen's dad referring to him as that "Crazy Ohrtman kid." Many hours were spent at the local hangout, the Black Hawk Café.

After retirement, Harry and Colleen were able to take many trips together.  They absolutely loved their time spent in Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks and would often call from Buffalo, Wyoming to let their children know they were headed to the mountains.

Harry had several "Harryisms" that often brought his family to hysterics. He had a quiet wit about him and delivered some great one liners.

Harry was a lifetime member of the Black Hawk Community Church. The testament of the great man he was is becoming apparent with the stories that are being relayed to us this week.  He was a father figure to several and always was willing to help others who needed guidance, a hand up or just someone to listen.  We knew he was an amazing man but had no idea how many lives he touched. We are overwhelmed this week with the stories and testimonies from people who he helped, and we had no idea but we are not surprised. He was the epitome of a Christian. Matthew 25:23 "His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'

Colleen and Harry wed on July 30, 1960, at the Black Hawk Community Church.  To this union were born four children: Janet (Donald) Smith, Susan Ohrtman, Holly (Darin) Good and David (Valerie) Ohrtman. Grandchildren: Jason (Brittany), Donovan and Ben Smith, Gracie (Wyatt) Chase, Harrison Good, Reed, Reece and Rollie Ohrtman as well as great grandchildren Jamaal and Kinley.

He was proceeded in death by his parents and brother Terry.

Survivors include siblings: sister Jackie Martin, Sherri Dunne, Linda (Joe) Grimson, Mary (Leon) Ewert, Barb (John) Wagner, Kaye (Scott) Vincent and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends.

Special thanks to Monument Hospice, Jackie Van Egeraat, MD, nurse Karen and Westhills Home Health.

Friends and family are invited to a visitation on Thursday, August 31, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home.

A funeral service will be held Friday, September 1, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at Black Hawk Community Church.  Burial will follow at Valley View Cemetery in Black Hawk.