EAST HERKIMER-William W. Ortlieb age 66 of Pine Grove Road, passed away unexpectedly on Friday morning September 21, 2012 in Wilson Memorial Hospital in Johnson City. He had the support and comfort of his loving family at his side. He was born on September 23, 1945 in Little Falls, son of the late Herman and Mabel Ostrom Ortlieb. A lifelong area resident he was raisedin Dolgeville and was a graduate of Dolgeville High School, class of 1965. He continued his education at Cornell University where he received his Bachelors Degree and at SUNY Oneonta receiving a Masters degree in Guidance and Counseling. On June 26, 1971 he was united in marriage with the former Cheryl Bachelor in the Sage Chapel at Cornell University. He first worked at Ohio State University. He then went on to SUNY Morrisville where he served as dorm director and later at Herkimer County Community College where he was Director of Student Activities. In more recent years he worked at Montgomery Wards in Utica, Herkimer County Historical Society and Herkimer BOCES, retiring in 2009. Bill had a strong belief in God and was a member of the Herkimer Reformed Church where he had served in different capacities, as an Elder, Deacon, a member of the Church Consistory Board and at one time was Sunday School Superintendant. Mr. Ortlieb will always be remembered for his strong sense of community and exceptional organizing skills. He was a member of the East Herkimer Volunteer Fire Department, Vice President of the Herkimer County Fair Board of Directors and volunteered as the Interim Executive Director of the Mohawk Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross. Every Thanksgiving morning for more than thirty years he started up the pot belly stove at the historic Dutch Reformed Church in German Flatts for their ecumenical service. In 1991 he served with the Village of Herkimer Leatherstocking Summerfest Committee and was responsible for most of the entertainment provided at that four day event. In his leisure time besides traveling with his motor home, where he served as president of several Family Motor Coach Assoc. Chapters, he enjoyed cooking. Whether a small meal at home or large groups at the Herkimer Reformed Church, the East Herkimer Fire Department or motor home camping rallies he was always there. To all who knew him he was a warm and caring gentle giant who lived by the Golden Rule. He was happiest when doing for others, never wanting anything in return. His love extended to all the four legged members of the family, particularly his beloved Sheltie, Darwin. Bill will be greatly missed by his many friends and family, especially his three cherished grandchildren. Surviving are his devoted wife of forty-one years Cheryl, two daughters and their husbands, Loreen and Nathan Hobart of East Herkimer, Amy Ortlieb and Fred Westcott of New Hartford, three grandchildren, Gavin, Lillian (Mae Mae) and Paige Hobart, a sister-in-law, Gertrude Ortlieb of Dolgeville, several nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his brother Richard Ortlieb. Funeral service will take place on Saturday at 11:00 am in the Herkimer Reformed Church. The Reverend Mark Andersen, Pastor will officiate. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family. The family will be present to receive relatives and friends in Fenner Funeral Home Inc., 115 Court Street, Herkimer on Friday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 pm. Expressions of sympathy may be made with memorial donations to the Herkimer Reformed Church or the East Herkimer Volunteer Fire Department. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Members of the East Herkimer Volunteer Fire Department are asked to meet in the funeral home on Friday at 7:30 p.m. for ritualistic services.