William D. Ordway

Late winter in the canyon, an immense blanket of stars everywhere, all of time that ever was or will be is now there” – William Dennis Ordway

William Dennis (Denny) Ordway, 80, passed away after a battle with cancer, on January 1, 2022, in Rockford, IL. Our published poet, scratch golfer, and outdoorsman bravely fought until the end. He is now at peace with his treasured son Jason who predeceased him in 1997.

Denny was born in Sandusky, Ohio, and his siblings Pat (C.H.) Newton, Gloria (Jim) Hiendlmayr, and Tony (Barb) Ordway and their families all enjoyed a very special bond and friendship with many days spent together on the golf course, playing cards, hiking/fishing trips in Oregon, and trips to Put-in-Bay/Kelley’s Island. Denny loved Kate’s family and enjoyed their annual Christmas in July get-togethers. He was blessed to share many “Precious Memories” with Kate’s large and loving family.

Denny went to Mount Union College on a golf scholarship and graduated with a finance degree from California State University-Long Beach. He was the proud owner of the Ordway Insurance Agency where he was a trusted advisor for all of his clients. He was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church, a past member of the Determinators, the Lunch Bunch, Alpine Kiwanis Club, and Forest Hills Country Club.

Denny knew that he had met the “one”, his tall, beautiful, and fun-loving wife Kathleen (Kate) Meyer in Long Beach, California and together they moved back to the Midwest. He was a loving husband to Kate for over 55 years and his favorite toast to her was; “to my wife, may she always be my bride”. They raised three children together, Kimberly, Matthew, and Jason. With his words and actions, his children and grandchildren always knew his incredible love for them.

He is survived by his children, Kimberly (Matt East) Hartzel of Zionsville, IN, and children, Grace (Ollie Pearch), Ethan, Gwyneth, and Emilia Hartzel. He was lucky to virtually meet his five-week-old great-granddaughter, Nausicaä. Matthew (Lisa) Ordway of Downers Grove, IL, and their 2 children; Jameson and Calle, daughter-in-law; Anja Knuth.

A celebration of life will be held on June 11th, 2022. Donations in Denny’s name will be accepted at Alpine Kiwanis Charities, Inc., PO Box 5132, Rockford, IL 61125, and St. Vincent DePaul Society at Holy Family Catholic Church in c/o -SVdP, 44401 Highcrest Rd., Rockford, IL 61107.

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