John Dortman

John D. Dortman, age 84 of Sheboygan, passed away Tuesday January 19, 2021 at Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice following a brief illness.

Born October 28, 1936 in Hilbert to John and Verona (Thone) Dortman, John attended local schools, graduating from Central High School in 1955. He went on to work as a computer operations manager at the Vollrath Company for many years. He then graduated from the culinary program at Moraine Park Technical College in 1987. On May 14, 1982 he was united in marriage to Donna Mentink at the First Reformed Church in Oostburg.

John had a big life with many interests and many friends.  He began his love of stamp collecting as a young boy following him into adulthood.  His collection is quite impressive and extensive.

In his youth he played on numerous softball teams; Yankee Hill, Charlies Westside Tavern, Tubbies Retreads creating long lasting friendships and memories.  John loved games and enjoyed competing especially challenging anyone to a game of cribbage or lawn jarts.

His talent for wood working is displayed around his home and in gifts personally designed for loved ones and friends.  This passion stayed with John throughout his entire life creating cribbage boards, furniture and always some new home improvement project he couldn’t wait to talk about.

John was a sci fi fanatic from a boy until his final days.  He was proud of his Star Trek Christmas tree sporting a couple hundred ornaments, many of which made sci fi sounds.  We would get the biggest kick from the annual tree lighting ceremony to hear all the ornaments talking simultaneously. Family holidays and celebrations were extremely important to him.

His wife Donna and his culinary talent were the center of his universe.  John was the chef in their marriage of 38 plus years.  His cookbook collection estimated at over 2000 speaks for itself.  He shared his love of cooking and gardening with family and friends treating us to German Russian favorites and loved family requests to show off his frying abilities on his homemade grill.

We are all deeply saddened to lose John:  Husband, father, brother, friend.

John is survived by his wife Donna of 38 years; his children: Donna (Bob) Hencik, Diana Dortman, Davey Dortman & Duane Dortman; 3 grandchildren: Dylan Dortman, Jasmine Sneen & Johnny Sneen; 3 sisters: Patricia Holman, Kathy (Jim) Markevitch & Susie VandeKreeke; a nephew, Gary Kreis; and his ex son in law Bruce Sneen. He is further survived by many other nieces & nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; 2 sisters: Vonnie Kreis Rudebeck & Karen Rahn; and a brother, Richard Dortman

A visitation for John will take place Friday January 22, 2021 from 4:00 – 5:00 PM at Ballhorn Chapels Funeral & Cremation Care Center, 1201 N. 8th St. Sheboygan. A private family memorial service will then take place with the Rev. Gregory Whelton officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice would be appreciated.

For additional information or to leave online condolences, please visit: www.ballhornchapels.com