Sally Ortman

Sally Ortman, 83, of Canistota, SD passed away peacefully at home under hospice care on January 3, 2024.  Inurnment will be held at 1:30 pm on Saturday, January 6 at the Canistota Cemetery followed by visitation at 2:30 pm and a celebration of life at 3:30 pm both at the Canistota United Methodist Church.

Sally was born to Clarence and Dorothy (Sandberg) Holstrom on November 25, 1940 in Bottineau, North Dakota.  She moved several times throughout her adolescence, settling in Long Lake, Minnesota, where she graduated from Orono High School and later graduated from the University of Minnesota (Minneapolis).  She married the love of her life, Wayne, in 1962, and she was the proud mother of Scott, Julie & Jay.

Sally taught school in Canistota for almost 33 years.  She brought social studies to life for 4th, 5th & 6th graders, motivated athletes through coaching for 10 years and taught life lessons of kindness, manners and appreciation.  She was a member of the State Geography Alliance and was South Dakota Social Studies Teacher of the year.  She was a summer guest of National Geographic for 3 years and presented at conferences.  Sally was a member of the United Church of Canistota. She loved music of the church, sang in the choir, played bells and directed for a short time.  She was a member of the Chiropractic Auxiliary, serving on all committees and as President.

Sally, also known as Mrs. O, Nana & Mom, always put others’ needs above her own. She enjoyed relaxing at the cabin, reading, knitting (sweaters, afghans, scarves and over 100 patterned stocking caps for cancer patients) teaching, baking, and mowing. Athletics, cheering on the Hawks, and supporting her many favorite teams gave her joy. She loved serving others.  She believed, lived and taught us to find the good in any situation. Her greatest love in life was family.  She was a proud wife, mother and Nana to her grandkids.  She tried to attend every activity she could and loved every minute of it.

Sally is survived by Dr. Wayne, Julie (jean), Dr. Jay (Sonja), grandchildren Payton & Will Ortman, Connor & Autumn Hutcheson and a host of family and friends.  Preceded in death by son Scott, her parents, Wayne’s parents, brother-in-law Terry, and Pam & Gary Pletan.

Graveside Service