William J. Ortwein, Jr.

William “Bill” Ortwein, age 87, of Bluffton, SC, passed suddenly on March 17, 2024.  Bill was born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania on July 10, 1936, to the late William and Catherine Ortwein (nee Tokar).  He graduated from Bethlehem Catholic High School in 1954.  After graduating, Bill joined the Army and was stationed in Greece.  After his service was complete, he attended Pennsylvania State University.  While working remotely in Connecticut for Bethlehem Steel, he met his wife, Joan Laborde.  They were married on July 20, 1963, at Church of the Nativity Catholic Church in Bethlehem, Connecticut.  His career path took him to Pratt and Whitney where he was Quality Assurance Manager and retired in 2000.

Golf was his passion.  Traveling with his golfing crew throughout the United States; he was lucky enough to have golfed in Scotland and Ireland. He was an avid golfer up to the end, golfing 2-3 times per week. In his retirement he traveled the world with his beloved wife Joan.  Bill and Joan celebrated 60 years of marriage last year. Bill was the father of two children: Michelle Mihalkovitz (nee Ortwein) of West Belmar, New Jersey and Danielle Ortwein of Manchester, Connecticut. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations in his name to your favorite charity.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of William J. Ortwein, Jr., please visit our Tree Store.