Gene Ortner

Houghton

Gene M. Ortner, (99) a resident of the Bluffs Senor Living Community and former Chassell resident, passed away on September 29, 2026 peacefully at Omega House in Houghton, MI.

Gene was born on November 6, 1926 to Oscar and Ruth (Davis) Ortner in Flint, MI. Gene graduated from Dye High School in 1944 and then joined the military, serving in the Navy in World War II in the Philippines.

Following his time in the service, Gene started his lifelong journey of learning and teaching. He graduated with a B.A. from Valparaiso University in 1951 followed by a M.A. in 1953 from The University of Michigan. He was a mathematics instructor at General Motors Institute (now Kettering University) in Flint, MI from 1953-1958, then joined the mathematics department at Michigan Technological University in Houghton, MI. Gene was awarded a Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of Pittsburgh in 1963 and continued his work at Michigan Tech as a Professor of Mathematical Sciences, where he was awarded the Distinguished Teacher Award and co-authored the book Linear Algebra for Calculus. He retired in 1999 and was honored as a Professor Emeritus in recognition of his distinguished service to Michigan Technology University.

All through his life and especially during retirement, Gene spent most of his time enjoying golf, cross country skiing, biking, but most of all sailing. There was nothing Gene enjoyed more than spending time on Keweenaw Bay on his sailboat Summer Breeze. His nephews, nieces, great-nephews and great-nieces have many fond memories of summers at Uncle Gene’s where he taught them to fish and sail at his home on Portage Lake. Gene was also a member of the Onigaming Yacht Club

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Ruth Ortner, sister and brother-in-law, Wilma Kapp (Roy). He is survived by his sister Mary Ellen Passmore (Lewis), nephews James Kapp (Trudy), Steve Passmore (Debbie), Dave Passmore (Cindy), Dale Passmore (Carole), Chris Passmore (Marcia); nieces Marilyn Biefer (Russ), Marianna Fiedor (Dan) and numerous great-nephews and great-nieces.

A private service for Gene will be held at a later time.

To view Gene’s obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net.

The Memorial Chapel Funeral & cremation Service - Hancock Chapel is assisting the family with the arrangements.