Dennis W. Zortman 1950 - 2004

ZORTMAN

Posted By: Connie Swearingen- Volunteer (email)
Date: 2/22/2019 at 21:38:04

Sioux City Journal
5 May 2004

ONAWA, Iowa -- Dennis W. Zortman, 50, of La Crescent, Minn., formerly of Onawa, was called back to God on Monday, May 3, 2004. In the words of his late father he was "the closest thing to a perfect human being you could hope to find."

Services were held May 6 at the Church of the Crucifixion in La Crescent, Wis. Private family graveside services were held in Onawa Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home in La Crosse.

Dennis Zortman was the eldest of nine children born to Kathleen and Keith Zortman. The family operated a farm in the western Iowa town of Onawa. Following the death of his father, he and his devoted mother located to La Crescent, Minn.

Born into a world in 1950, that didn't fully understand his potential. The prevailing wisdom of the time was that children like him, afflicted with Down Syndrome, should be institutionalized and isolated. His parents, like many brave parents of their time, did not accept this answer. They prayed for strength and guidance and God granted it. A wise pediatrician of the era told his mother that, "this one is special and he won't break your heart." He was right. Dennis brought sunshine, joy, a love of life and a very unique talent for pulling pranks and bringing smiles to all who knew him. He was his parent's joy.

He was blessed with two extraordinary brothers, Paul and Phil, who saw to it that his final years were filled with love, comfort and dignity. In addition, he is survived by four sisters, Regina, Anne, Mary and Teresa; and two other brothers, James and Vincent. He is survived by numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews and countless friends.

All loved him and will miss him greatly.

Memorials may be directed to Crossroads of Western Iowa.