Lois Loretta (Gudenkauf) Fortman

Lois Loretta Fortman, 85, of Manchester, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 11, 2024, at her home. She was born on June 23, 1938, in Coggon, the daughter of Leo and Marie (Jaeger) Gudenkauf. Lois was raised and educated in the Ryan area and was a graduate of St. Patrick High School.

On February 6, 1956, Lois was united in marriage to Omer Herman Fortman at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Ryan. Five children were blessed to this union. The couple farmed together near Belmont, Wisconsin. They returned to Iowa and farmed near Lamont before moving to their farm northeast of Manchester. In 1990 they moved to their current home.

Lois was a longtime member of St. John Catholic Church. She loved gardening and had a large garden for many years. Lois also raised chickens. She loved baking for her family and made the best chocolate chip cookies. Lois enjoyed doing hand embroidery. She enjoyed traveling with Omer. Above all else, Lois loved her family and spending time with them.

Survivors include her husband of 68 years, Omer Fortman of Manchester; four children, Donna (Calvin) Gibbs of Delhi, Karen (Gary) Kruse of Dyersville, Kenny (Vicki) Fortman of Manchester, and Roger Fortman of Manchester; daughter-in-law, Janet Fortman of Decorah; 15 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren, with three on the way; three siblings, Jeanette Steffen of Peosta, Janet (Bob) Pottebaum of Manchester, and Richard (Sharon) Gudenkauf of Dyersville; a brother-in-law, Dick Hogan; and many nieces and nephews.

Lois was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Arnie Fortman; three sisters, Mary (Jerry) Hoeger, Virginia (Phil) Kelchen, and Kathleen Hogan; brother, Vernon (Joan) Gudenkauf; brother-in-law, Wally Lux; and several nieces and nephews.

The family would especially like to thank the staff at All Ways Caring Homecare and Care Initiatives Hospice for the special care given to Lois.

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