The family of Donald D. Gortmaker, 64, announces his passing, and invites all who knew him to remember him here.
What follows is not the whole story, but a thread of it.
Born in 1957, Donald began a life that would touch many along the way.
Donald held deeply to the Lutheran faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew him best.
Faith gave Donald a place to stand, and a place to return to.
Donald Dale Gortmaker was born September 4th, 1957 in Sioux Falls, SD to Peter W. Gortmaker and Ruth (Jones) Gortmaker. He was baptized and confirmed at First English Lutheran Church in Parker. He graduated from Parker High School in the class of 1976. After spending time in the Navy, he returned home to Parker, then moved to the Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN area for the remainder of his life. He enjoyed music and coming home to visit his family. He was preceded in death by his father and grandparents. Survivors include his mother, Ruth Gortmaker, sisters Gwen (Ed) Highfill, Teri LaVelle (Peter Nied), Karen (Marwin) Hofer, 4 nieces, 1 nephew, 4 great nephews, 1 great niece, his godparents, Bettie & Gene Larsen, Viborg, and many cousins. A graveside service will be held at 1:30 on Tuesday, June 14, 2022 at the Rosehill Cemetery in Parker followed by coffee at the community center.
