Clara Elizabeth 'Beth' Ortner

Clara Elizabeth 'Beth' Ortner

1939 – 2026

HOLSTEIN - Clara Elizabeth "Beth" Ortner, 86, of Holstein, passed away on Sunday, April 26, 2026 at the Good Samaritan Society of Holstein. A funeral service will be held on Monday, May 11, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. at the Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church of Holstein with Fr. Dan Rupp officiating. Burial will be at the Calvary Cemetery of Holstein. A visitation will be held on Sunday, May 10, 2026 from 4-6:30 p.m. with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. at the Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church. The Nicklas D. Jensen Funeral Home of Holstein is in charge of the arrangements.

Clara Elizabeth Ortner was born July 9, 1939 to Roman and Iola (Johnson) Galles in Kingsley, Iowa. Beth graduated from Kingsley High School in 1957, then earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Briar Cliff College in Sioux City and in 1962, graduated from the Mayo Clinic School of Physical Therapy in Rochester. She worked as a staff physical therapist for Sports Rehab and P.T. Inc. of Storm Lake. Beth worked in their area clinics in Cherokee, Ida Grove, and Storm Lake, but primarily in the Sioux Valley Hospital in Cherokee, retiring in 1998.  

Beth was united in marriage to Richard Ortner on Nov. 26, 1964 in Kingsley. To this union, four children were born: Charles, Donald, Mark and A. Elizabeth.

Beth was a vital member and volunteer in the Holstein community. She was a member of the Our Lady of Good Counsel church and was involved in many of their organizations.  She served on the Ida County Public Health Board for 20 years.  Her volunteering efforts were recognized by earning the State of Iowa Governor’s Volunteer Award in 2017. When Beth wasn’t working or volunteering, she enjoyed sewing, quilting, knitting, scrapbooking and golfing.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard; parents, Roman and Iola Galles; brothers, John and Gerry; and sisters, Michaela and Margaret.

Beth is survived by her children, Charles (Brenda), Donald (Ted Schafer), Mark, A. Elizabeth (John) Sheridan; grandchildren, Maura Ortner, Cale Ortner and Dantae Schafer; and siblings, Joe (Madeline) Galles, Jim (Connie) Galles, Jenni (Joe) Malsam.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to Cherokee Regional Hospice.