Jason Ortman

August 9, 1972 — February 25, 2025

Port Richey

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Jason Ortman, 52. Jason fought incredibly hard against pancreatic cancer and succumbed on Tuesday, February 25th.

He was born in West Allis, WI to James and Catherine Ortman on August 9, 1972. He is survived by his wife Tonya Ortman, son Jacob Ortman(mother Lisa Swanson), daughters Mikenna, Seneca and Kalani, mother Catherine Ortman, and siblings Amy Ortman, Josh Ortman(Sara) and Luke Ortman(Summer).

Although he loved his Wisconsin roots and lived in West Bend and Appleton for most of his life. Florida was ultimately where he wanted to be and moved to Hudson Florida in 2017, settling in Port Richey with his current wife and 3 daughters. Jason loved everything about Florida living. Key West was his retirement goal, but didn't quite make it.

Jason truly lived his life. He drove truck with Schneider and got to travel to all of the continental states. (Oh, the stories he would tell!) He worked in hospitality for nearly 16 years at various hotels. He helped open 3 brand new hotels in Clearwater Beach(Residence Inn), Dunedin(Fenway) and Safety Harbor(Candlewood Inn and Suites). He made fast friends with almost every guest he came in contact with. He even shared a cigar or two with a few famous people while navigating their stay and was gifted more bottles of Jim Beam then can be counted.

Jimmy Buffet and Bob Marley were his go to musicians, but he loved all types of music. What many did not know is that he wrote a lot of songs that never got published or produced. He was once invited to a songwriters festival in Key West in 2016. While in hospice with his music therapist, they reworked a song by Zac Brown Band with his youngest daughter accompanying them on guitar. The song is below.

Jason's love of all Wisconsin sports, specifically the Milwaukee Brewers, and the Green Bay Packers, (Go! Pack! Go!) was very strong and loyal. He loved talking politics and was always up for a respectful debate with anyone willing to do the same.

He loved playing cribbage and was a cigar officianado. If you were up for a game and a share of a stick, you were in great company! He shared with everyone he became close to his love of music and classic movies. He and his siblings loved to "talk" in movie quotes. His sense of humor and wittiness was always appreciated by everyone he came in contact with and what endeared many to him. Beloved family road trips(there were many!) were filled with laughter and music.

Our lives will always have a very large Jason sized whole in it, but we will continue to share his funny stories and our many memories of him.

The family would like to give thanks for all the support and care given to Jason by the following:

First and foremost, to all of Jason's many family and friends, that are too many to mention individually, that gave him and our family support, monetary donations and most importantly their love. He adored each and everyone of you that touched his and his family's lives!

Devon, Gabe and Todd with Holiday Inn and Suites, Dunedin for treating Jason like family and caring for him well after his employment. Thank you for all of your gifts and invitations to every work event. You made Christmas so special!

Kay and Rose with Candlewood Inn and Suites.

AccentCare Hospice- Specifically Jason's incredible nurse Julie, Music Therapist Kaylin and his Aid Beth who treated Jason and his immediate family with immense care and compassion.

Dr. Jorge Ayub and Holly On with Florida Cancer Specialists in Trinity for giving Jason the extra time he desperately wanted.

A Celebration of his life will be held in both Florida and Wisconsin, dates and locations TBD.

"Gonna pack the car for a road trip

Drive until we can't see it

Windshield brings the sunshine in our way

Taking those I love along with me

Won't stop until we get to Tennessee

I wouldn't have it any other way

Now I'm knee deep in the water somewhere

Got the blue sky breeze and it don't seem fair

Only worry in the world is the tide gonna reach my chair

Sunrise there's a fire in the sky

Never been so happy

Never felt so high

And I think I might have found me my own kind of paradise

Smokey mountains are nice and blue

And the air is crisp and clean

One drive, and you?ll know what I mean

Looking at the scenery

Makes me feel at peace

You'll know what I mean"

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Jason Ortman, please visit our flower store.

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Jason Ortman

August 9, 1972 — February 25, 2025

Port Richey

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