Gerald L. Ortlepp

Gerald Ortlepp, 80, of Detroit Lakes, MN passed away on Saturday, November 21, 2020 at Emmanuel Nursing Home in Detroit Lakes, MN.

Gerald L. Ortlepp was born in Detroit Lakes, MN on May 4, 1940, the only child of Ernest and Beatrice (Lindblad) Ortlepp.  He grew up and graduated from Detroit Lakes High School.  After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and specialized in Nuclear Weapons.  On June 1, 1962, he married Marlys Olson. The couple raised their two children Bryan and Sheila in Detroit Lakes, MN.

Gerald worked for various trucking companies in the area throughout his life.  He loved riding motorcycle’s, boating and waterskiing with his kids when they were young.

He was known to be a straight forth kind of guy, he always gave his honest opinion if you asked.

Gerald is survived by his son, Bryan (Lisa) Ortlepp; grandchildren, Michael (Heather) Ortlepp, Ryan Ortlepp, Harry Sperry Jr., Scotty Boit, Tim Boit, and Cody Boit; and son in-law Scott Boit.

He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marlys; and daughter, Sheila.

The family would also like to say thank you to all the great nurses and staff in long term care at Emmanuel Nursing Home for the great care they provided Gerald while he was there.

Services will be at 11:00am on Monday, November 30, 2020 at Zion Lutheran Church in Detroit Lakes. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. A Graveside Service will be held at Oak Grove Cemetery in the Spring of 2021.