Warbird Information Exchange

This request is for Tom Friedman who might know the mail address or phone number for the former Lois Ortner. I talked to her on the phone last year and have since misplaced my notes. I know she has remarried since Deans death, but I can't remember her new last name either. Any help on the her new last name and mailing address would be greatly appreciated.

Jake Fendermen
"Those were the days".

jake, i do not know her new last name. she lives 5 minutes from me. i pass her house twice a day. when i was gathering my research info for my 2 part ortner air service magazine article in air classics in 2002 she pretty much told me where i could put it, i'll give you 3 guesses where....... the ortner bros, while legends, pissed off alot of people in this area. her daughter was even more blunt when i approached her for an interview!!! if there is anything i can help you with either pm me, or i'll give you my phone number.

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tom d. friedman - hey!!! those fokkers were messerschmitts!! * without ammunition, the usaf would be just another flying club!!! * better to have piece of mind than piece of tail!!

Tom,
Thanks anyway. I did a search and destroy in the hall closet and found the notes I was looking for.

Jake Fendermen
"Those were the days".

hi jake, what is your interest in the ortners / or their air service?? have you read my air classics article?? you can google it, or i'll loan you a copy. i'm assuming you live in the vicinity of wakeman, if so i'd be glad to take you out their to the airport. ortner's chief mechanic tom sawyer is still alive & tough as nails. he quit wrenching on planes just a few years ago. he must be around 87 yrs old. he's got pics of the place in it's hey dey & he was my #1 source of info for my article. all the best, tom

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tom d. friedman - hey!!! those fokkers were messerschmitts!! * without ammunition, the usaf would be just another flying club!!! * better to have piece of mind than piece of tail!!

I know it has been a few years since you've posted this, but I just stumbled upon the story of the '67 parachute disaster, and I began searching. Brought back lots of memories. I was 10 years old at the time, and don't recall the incident.

I grew up just a few miles from Ortner Airfield, and went to school with some of the Ortners, and graduated from Firelands with Don, who was a good friend, in the mid '70s. I also knew Ken, a friend of my older brother. I'm not sure how they were related to Dean.

I recall some airshows at the time, and vaguely recall the crash and death of Dean, but had forgotten any details.

My father was also involved with flight at that time, via the Lorain County Regional Airport. I took lessons some time around 1972.

I moved out of the area in '80, but still have family near the old field. I drive by there sometimes on my way to visit family. I recall the old aircraft parked there.

Anyway, I am interested in the article you wrote in 2002. If it is available somewhere hit me with an email @ s.dole@att.net.

Thanks.

Any pics of Dean and his Corsair? I'd love one as my dad grew up with Dean and work on his Corsair with him.

the parachute drop over lake erie was beyond tragic. if you contact challenge publications they may have back issues. keep in mind the ortner piece was a 2 part article. if you can't locate the piece i'll loan you a copy of both parts, but i'll need it back for my files. just pm me your address & i'll send it to you, or you can google the "flying ortner brothers & you'll find it minus the pictures. just don't print it out & read it on the toilet!!

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tom d. friedman - hey!!! those fokkers were messerschmitts!! * without ammunition, the usaf would be just another flying club!!! * better to have piece of mind than piece of tail!!