Obituaries

Ned Henry Orthmann passed away peacefully on March 14, 2026, at his home in Altoona. He was 86 years old. He was born on December 2, 1939, in Antigo, Wisconsin.

Ned graduated from the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point. He was a music/band director for 35 years in Rib Lake, Wisconsin, where he influenced many students and saw each student as an individual encouraging them to succeed.

He loved playing and watching hockey, woodworking, and teaching his grandchildren. Ned built a skating rink every year in his yard for the community to use. He also had a passion for the cabin he built, making maple syrup, fishing, hunting, and reading.

He enjoyed teaching his band students to march and was especially happy to take them to the Apple Festival in Bayfield, Wisconsin. He enjoyed the technology that enabled him to keep in contact with family members around the world. He also enjoyed traveling stateside and overseas to visit family. He was a coordinator for community education classes.

Ned was known for his loyalty to family, friends, students, and community. He was non-judgmental and had a wonderful sense of humor.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Virginia, and his sister, Nan.

He is survived by his wife, Ann; children, Jon (Caroline), James (Kami), Jeff (Sandra), and Kim (Rich); grandchildren, Katherine, Christopher, Jacqueline, Jennifer, Justin, Tristin, Alex, Ruth, Paul, and Luke; brothers, Todd (Sandy) and Timm; great-grandchild, Dean; and beloved nephew, William (Patricia) and sons Kyle and Matthew.

There will be a public music-themed celebration of life in Eau Claire this summer (date to be determined) to honor Ned’s lifelong love of music. Everyone is encouraged to bring an instrument.

Ned was well loved, respected, and will be dearly missed by all who knew him.