John G. Ortwerth, age 79, formerly of 1300 Springdale N., Quincy, died on Sunday, November 14, 2010 in the Illinois Veterans Home. He was born on October 21, 1931 in St. Louis, Missouri, a son of Hubert & Katherine (Petchel) Ortwerth. He married Joanne Schmitz on June 16, 1956 and she survives.

John was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War. He was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church and a former long-time member of St. Rose Catholic Church. John was a faculty member at Quincy University for forty years. During his tenure, he served as a Professor, Head Basketball Coach and Athletic Director. He also served as the President of the Faculty Senate in 2000. John was named Professor Emeritus by the University and has a scholarship in his name. He was also awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from the University. John was the Head Coach for QU Basketball from 1960-1975 and compiled a record of 259-173. He led the Hawks to the NAIA National Tournament in 1964 and 1967 and was named the Illinois NAIA Coach of the Year three times.

John was an inductee of the Hall of Fame for Illinois State University, Quincy University and the Quincy CYO. He managed the Indian Mounds Pool for 7 years. He was a long-time member of the Quincy Exchange Club where he was instrumental in the creation of the Adopt-a-Grandparent program and worked tirelessly for many years for the Gus Macker Basketball tournament and numerous other Exchange Club events. John also served as a commissioner of the U.S. Collegiate Sports Council and the U.S. Basketball Committee. He was an official for the IHSA in basketball, softball and football. He served as the Manager of the Quincy Rivermen baseball team. John was active in many other clubs and civic work including Special Olympics, the Quinsippi Soccer League, the Quincy Racquet Club, the Board of Quincy Notre Dame, the Mart Heinen Club, 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, the Board of the American Red Cross and the Adaptive Aquatics Program, “Water Bugs”, at Quincy University. John was also awarded the ‘Key to the City of Quincy’ from Mayor John Spring.

In addition to his wife, Joanne, survivors include:
SIX CHILDREN: Shelly Malinski and her husband Kerry of Naperville, IL; John A. Ortwerth and his wife Sherri of Hannibal, MO; Teri Norris and her husband Perry of Loveland, OH; Kathy Towers and her husband Dave of Johns Creek, GA; Mary Frericks of Roswell, GA; & Ann Ortwerth of Roswell, GA.
TWELVE GRANDCHILDREN: Jim Malinski, Katherine Malinski, Shelby (Ortwerth) Moneer and her husband Steve, Kelsey Ortwerth, Stella Norris, Jack Norris, Maggie Norris, Maddy Towers, Joseph Towers, Bradford Frericks, Gracie Frericks, & John “J.B.” Frericks;
ONE SISTER: Marguerite Spahl
Numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives also survive.

John was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Herbert Ortwerth, and one sister, Delores Fehrmann.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 18, 2010 at 9:30 a.m. in the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home followed by a funeral mass at 10:00 a.m. in St. Francis Catholic Church. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery with military rites conducted at the cemetery. Visitation will be held on Wednesday evening from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the John Ortwerth Scholarship Fund at Quincy University or to the Adams County Chapter of the American Red Cross. www.dukerandhaugh.com