James Fortsch

E. James Fortsch, 82, of Oelwein, Iowa died on Monday evening, January 11, 2010 at Mercy Hospital of Franciscan Sisters in Oelwein, Iowa

Funeral Service: 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, January 16, 2010 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Oelwein, Iowa; Officiating: Rev. Harry Koelker; Visitation: from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. on Friday at the Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home in Oelwein, Iowa where there will be a Parish Scripture Service at 6:30 P.M. on Friday evening; Interment: Woodlawn Cemetery at Oelwein, Iowa

Online Obituary at: www.jamisonschmitzfuneralhome.com

Jim is survived by:
Son--Kim Fortsch of Lake Ozark, Missouri
Sister--Irene Carey of Fayette, Iowa
Nieces and Nephews

He was preceded in death by his Parents--Wife (Carmel Marie Ramsay Fortsch on February 10, 2009)--Son (Terry Michael Fortsch on June 22, 1983)--8 Sisters (Loretta VandeVorde, Idella Fortsch in infancy, Luella Fowler, Mildred Bishop, Velma Wagner, Thelma Brant, Lorna Jean Matthews, and Bettie VanDaele)--and a Brother (Donald Fortsch).

Eldon James Fortsch was born on August 13, 1927 at Oelwein, Iowa the son of William and Ella (Meska) Fortsch. He graduated from Oelwein High School in Oelwein, Iowa. Jim was a veteran of World War II serving in the Navy as a seaman 1st class. He married Carmel Marie Ramsay at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Oelwein, Iowa. Jim was a police officer for the City of Oelwein from October 16, 1948 and retiring on December 15, 1984. He served as Oelwein's Chief of Police from 1967 to 1984. Jim also owned and operated Fortsch Monument Sales for many years. Jim was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus Oelwein Council # 1168, and Ross Reid American Legion Post # 9. He has been a resident of the Oelwein Health Care Center since October of 2005.