Mervin Ortmann

Mervin Ortmann, 77, of Prairie City, died Thursday, February 4, 2021 at his home.

Mervin Adam Ortmann was born July 6,1943 in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. He immigrated to America with his family in 1948; settling in Portland, Oregon. His teenage years were fueled by his love of hot rods, of which he built many. Summer nights during the '60s, he was sure to be seen in downtown Portland with his high school buddies and their street rods, dragging Broadway; Merv at the wheel of his beloved 1940 Ford coupe. His love of old cars led him to become a skilled metal craftsman, perfecting his abilities in the art of body and fender restoration.

He loved working with his hands and also became very adept in woodworking, and restoring antique furniture. He was committed to his own standards of excellence in everything he endeavored to do. Mervin loved music of all kinds, fishing, fine art, farming and dogs. He respected nature, and all of earth creations. He was known by all who knew him to speak his mind. And you would hear the truth whether it was "candy coated" or not. He could be crude and sometimes rude, but under his gruff exterior was a big and sensitive heart. He was a man of integrity, who hated injustice. He had the determination of a tank, and was certainly known " as a force to reckon with".

He leaves behind his wife; Jane of Prairie City, OR; daughters: Jill Woynowski, Portland, OR, Amy Giandomenico, Prairie City, OR; stepsons Frank Holly Jr., Vancouver, WA, Robert Holly, Vancouver, Henry Holly, Lebanon, OR., George Holly, Kingman, AZ; Six grandchildren, sister Elaine Boone, Walnut Creek, Ca. Brother Wayne Ortmann, Washougal, WA.

For those who would like to make a memorial donation in honor of Mervin the family suggests the Blue Mountain Humane Association (a no kill shelter as Mervin was an advocate for rescue dogs) in La Grande through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home and Cremation Services PO Box 543 Halfway, OR. 97834. Online condolences can be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com