Daniel “Dan” P. Ortner, age 44, of North Hudson, WI, died tragically on July 27, 2015 in an airplane accident in Polk County.

Born on December 21, 1970 to Ronald and Lucille (Nilles) Ortner in Independence, Iowa, Dan was the youngest in a family of twelve. He grew up in Greenwood, WI, helping out on the family farm with his father, and graduated from the class of 1989 at Greenwood High School. Following his graduation, he attended Winona Technical College, where he received an Associates Degree in Aviation. His education did not stop there, however, as Dan was a continuous learner and never stopped creating and perfecting his ‘jack of all trades’ status. Throughout his life, he attended Dunwoody College to achieve his boilers license and HVAC certification, and even took online and evening courses, working hard to better his knowledge.

From 1997-2003, Dan was employed at NWA as a mechanic. For many years, Dan worked for the City of Hudson Public Works, a career that was dear to his heart. After his time in Hudson, he began a position at Xcel Energy as a Fleet Asset Consultant.

On October 19, 2002 he was united in marriage to his soulmate and best friend, Michelle A. Klatt in Stillwater, MN. Their commitment to one another truly defined the word ‘love’, and their endurance towards their vows was inspirational.

Dan was a passionate and dedicated member of the Hudson Community, always there as a mentor to others, and busy lending a hand whenever he was needed. There are very few decks and houses in the city that don’t have his hammer marks on them. As a community leader, he readily took part in North Hudson’s Pepper Fest every year, whether it was as the Treasurer, or earning the spot of King in 2008. He was on the North Hudson Village Board, the Board of Trustees and Planning Commission, as well as the Police Commission. His love for Hudson and the community afforded him the privilege of being a friend and confidant to many, and likewise for him.

Flying was Dan’s dream. He spent many countless hours in the air, and after much education and training, was able to fulfill that dream in 2012 when he officially earned his pilot’s license. He had such a joy and passion to share the beauty from above with others, always offering to take people on memorable rides.

Dan was a quiet, yet sincere man with an infectious smile. He had a sweet tooth like no other, especially enjoying some chocolate chip cookies over a night cap of crown royal in his quintessential man cave. It goes without saying that he was an amazing man who touched so many hearts, in so many irreplaceable ways.

He will forever remain in the hearts of his wife, Michelle; step-children, Nik (Nikki) Klatt and their daughter, Leah, and Cody (fiancee, Sarah) Klatt; mother, Lucille Ortner and her husband, Dick Larsen; siblings: Cindy Pierson, Rita (Charles) Steffen, Ken (Jane) Ortner, Chuck Ortner, Joe (Deb) Ortner, Jim (Lori) Ortner, Mike (April) Ortner, Sue (Terry) Ortner, Sam (Mike) Shaw, Robert (Jennifer) Ortner, Dave Ortner; a host of nieces and nephews; mother-in-law, Barbra (Al) Toenjes; father-in-law, Jim Ruyak; and sisters and brothers-in-law, Beth (Mike) McWhirter, Marc (Kerry) Ruyak. He is preceded in death by his father, Ronald Ortner in 2014.

A Time to Remember Dan’s Life will be held from 4-8 p.m. on Monday, August 3, 2015 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1500 Vine St., Hudson with a prayer service to conclude the evening at 8:00 p.m.