Dr. Dennis Ortwein

Dr. Orton "Dennis" Ortwein of Las Vegas passed away peacefully on June 15, 2023, after a wonderful life of 90 years. He was born January 28, 1933, in Harlowton, MT and graduated from Eastern College in Billings, MT. After graduating with an education degree, Dennis moved to Las Vegas in 1956 to start his long career with the Clark County School District. In 1978, Dr. Ortwein was one of the first doctoral candidates to be awarded a doctorate from the Nevada System of Higher Education. His passion was music, and he was an amazing Irish Tenor singing at weddings, funerals, Catholic church services, Rotary meetings, special events, Broadway plays and lastly with the Sun City Silvertones. Dennis was an exceptional athlete for the Harlowton Engineers, particularly as a shooting guard in basketball and running back in football. He proudly served for eight years in the Montana and Nevada National guard, being honorably discharged as a Sergeant First Class.

Dr. Dennis Ortwein had a history of contributions to the community. He blended his musical talents with service to the community in Las Vegas classrooms and even shared his skills beyond our shores. Dr. Ortwein has a 36-year career in education in Las Vegas. Of those years, 24 were as principal and administrator. Dr. Ortwein interrupted his teaching to take a leave of absence and moved his family to Kano, Nigeria from 1966 to 1968 to assist the U.S. government (Aid for International Development) and Ohio University to establish a "teacher of teachers" training program for the newly formed government of Nigeria. In conjunction with this, he acted as an ambassador for the U.S. by sharing his love for music and traveled the country performing recitals, bridging the cultures with his exceptional vocal skills and friendly demeanor.

Dr. Ortwein was also an advocate for civil rights. As principal of a then still-segregated elementary school, he campaigned with other civil rights supporters to facilitate the integration of the schools and to secure equal educational opportunities for all CCSD students. He also championed educational equality for students with special needs or disabilities. Post retirement he was a substitute principal for 13 years, as well as the Interim Superintendent of the Esmerelda County School District. In recognition of his contributions to the CCSD and the Las Vegas community an elementary school was named after him in 2018.

In keeping with his record of community service, Dr. Ortwein worked with the National Conference of Christians and Jews, having been hired as the executive director. He is a 60-year member of Rotary International (including serving as President several terms), helping to provide services to children and people in need. He worked with other community leaders to found the still-active Southern Nevada Interfaith Council and continued to work with them to develop interfaith forums.

There was nothing more important to Dennis than his family. He was 1 of 7 children and the last male to pass away. It was very rare that he missed any of his boys and grandchildren events including sports and musical events. He was an amazing, patient and loving father and grandfather. As the patriarch of his family, every Ortwein family event ended with him singing Danny Boy with his beautiful voice.

He was preceded in death by his parents Orton and Loree Ortwein, brothers Bob, Terry and John Ortwein and sister Rosalie Snelling. Dennis is survived by his sisters Noreen Kozeluh and Loree O’Connell; sons Jeff (Sherri), Matthew (Trisha) and Mark (Carrie); seven grandchildren Chris, Austin, Cody, Dillon, Kyle, Olas and Catherine; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. His soul mate for his last fifteen years, and who just turned 100 was Jeannie Ebner, who he loved dearly.

He was greatly loved and will be sorely missed. Please join the family for a celebration of his life on July 16th at 1:00 pm at Palm Mortuary at 7600 Eastern, Las Vegas, NV. In lieu of flowers the family asks you to consider donations be made to Foundation to Assist Young Musicians (FAYM – TheFAYM.org ) , Dennis Ortwein Elementary School special programs including music ( 10926 Dean Martin Drive Las Vegas, NV 89141 / ortweinelementary.com not available until after 7/16/23) , or the Wheatland County Senior Citizen Center (PO Box 515, Harlowton, MT 59036) in honor of Dennis Ortwein.

The family would like to thank Dr. Shawn McGivney, sister nurse Kerry and the wonderful staff of Tender Loving Care for their loving care and kindness during the past 6 months.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmeastern.com for the Ortwein family.