Vera Marlene Carpenter Ortgies went home to be with her Savior Jesus Christ on January 12, 2025, following a brief illness.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, from 4 to 6 pm at Springs of Life Church, located at 1001 E. Third Street, Anamosa. A Celebration of Life service will be on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at 10:30 am at the church. Please use the Guestbook to share your thoughts, memories, and condolences with Vera's family.

Vera was born January 21, 1936, in Springville, IA, the daughter of Warren and Eleanor (Ralston) Carpenter. She grew up with her 12 siblings and attended Springville Schools until she married Emil Ortgies in June of 1952. Vera worked at Collins Radio, Anamosa and the Anamosa Care Center. She also helped her husband on the family farm. She returned and finished her high school education, earning her diploma at Springville High School.

She raised four children Wanda (Terry) Tuetken, Anamosa, Dr. Cindy (Dr. Kevin) Anderson, Woodstock, IL, Martin (Lynn Thomas) Ortgies, Anamosa, and Mark (Robin) Ortgies, Cedar Rapids. In addition to her children, she is survived by grandchildren Kymm, Troy, Travis, Mark, Lindsey, and Trenton, thirteen great grandchildren, two great greatgrandchildren, her siblings Lyle, James (Jim), Curtis, Margaret (Maggie) and Linda, as well as by many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, a granddaughter Jennifer, her parents, and siblings Howard, Ernest (Mike), Robert (Pat), Lowell, Lois, Lucille, and Shirley.

The family would like to thank the entire staff of Woodland Park for their generous compassionate care for Vera, who they lovingly referred to as "Sassypants".