Alumni Obituary – Charles Dee Zortman

Charles Dee Zortman (CC’50), 92, went to meet his Master on November 17, 2022.  He was born September 29, 1930 to Herbert E. Zortman & Gladys Newell Zortman of Fowler, Kansas.  He attended the Fowler schools and in 1948 went to Central College of McPherson, where he met Ramona Catron.  After marrying her on December 21, 1949, they moved to the family farm.

“Chuck”, as he liked to be called, was instrumental in the growth of the family business of Zortman Sons with his brothers.  With the addition of other partners, it became Fowler Feeders.

Agriculture and livestock production may have been his profession but his true passion was the collecting and restoration of antiques.  His knowledge was extensive and his presence at auctions commonplace.  This activity continued to within weeks of his passing.

Survivors include his wife, Ramona Zortman, 3 sons, Dean Zortman (Lynne) of Fowler, Steve Zortman (Terrie) of Fowler, Duane Zortman (Jamie) of Amarillo, TX, a daughter Debra Zortman Fischer (Vernon) of Sharon Springs, KS, 10 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and a host of wonderful friends.

Preceding him in death were his grandparents, Orville & Maude Newell, who played a great role in his early years, his father Herbert E. Zortman, mother Gladys Newell Zortman, brothers Orville Edwin Zortman, Herbert Cary (Cay) Zortman, Gerald Lynn (Gary) Zortman, sister-in-law Jueene Zortman and daughter-in-law Becky Zortman.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Charles “Chuck” Dee Zortman, please visit our floral store.

ABOUT CENTRAL CHRISTIAN COLLEGE OF KANSAS

Central Christian College of Kansas is a regionally accredited institution offering undergraduate and graduate-level programs. Central strives to offer Christ-centered education for the whole person – heart, mind, soul, and strength. Its history dates back to 1884, and it is located in the friendly town of McPherson, Kansas. Central is a strategically small college that offers over forty areas of residential study and a thriving online program for non-traditional students. To learn more about Central go to centralchristian.edu/about. Visit the Foundation of Central Christian College to see what projects and events are coming up.