Edward P. Ortleb

Edward Paul Ortleb, fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church, passed away peacefully with family at his side on Thursday, December 8, 2022, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Ed was 90.

Ed was the loving husband of the late Bernadette (nee Burke) Ortleb; cherished father of Diane (Jim) Robinson and Kathy (Rich) Maskell; devoted grandfather of James (Cortney) Robinson, Dr. Maura Robinson, Joel (Ashley) Robinson, Mary Grace (Jose) Artiaga, and Colleen (Matt) Wagener; loving great-grandfather of Lily and Milo Artiaga, and Louis and Dexter Wagener; dear brother-in-law of Harold Franks; dear uncle of Patti Taylor and Susan (Tom) Patrick. Ed was preceded in death by his beloved sister June Franks.

Ed was born in Saint Louis in 1932 to Paul and Anita Ortleb. Both parents came from Germany so there was a German influence throughout his life. Ed graduated from Southwest High School and attended Harris Teacher's College. He then became a teacher in the St. Louis Public Schools. He married Bernadette Burke in 1955. Soon afterwards, he was called for duty in the United States Army where he served for two years.

He earned his Masters degree in biology from Washington University. During three summers, he did research in the rain forests of Panama. After several teaching and administrative assignments, he became Science Supervisor for the St. Louis Public Schools, K through 12. In 1970, Ed became adjunct Professor of Biology at Washington University. He was elected president of the Science Teachers of Missouri, and in 1978 was elected president of the National Science Teachers Association. Ed was recognized as a national and international science educator. He co-authored a number of elementary and middle school science textbooks. He was a published author of research papers on herpetology.

Ed was on the board of the St. Louis Audubon Society, The St. Louis Zoo, The St. Louis Naturalist Club, The American Heart Association, and The Science Center. He was past president of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul at St. Joan of Arc Parish. He was a lifelong member of Camp Solidarity.

Ed was friendly, funny, distinguished, and charming. He was a devout Catholic and would never miss Mass. He enjoyed being with his family, with all the kids and grandkids around. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation Monday, December 12 from 4-8pm at Hoffmeister Colonial Mortuary, 6464 Chippewa St. Louis 63109. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, December 13 at 10am at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 5801 Pernod at Hampton 63139. Interment Resurrection Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul at St. Joan of Arc in Ed's name would be greatly appreciated by his family.

Please leave a fond memory of Ed for his family to cherish at the "Add a Memory" link below.