All who knew Thomas Fortman would agree that he was an extraordinary man to know and love. He was genuine, outgoing, and friendly – the sort of man who never met a stranger. A more devoted family man would be hard to find as there was nothing that was more near and dear to Tom’s heart than being surrounded by the ones he loved. With a smile always at the ready, he spread his happiness, his warmth and his joy for living to all who were near. Content in whatever life brought, Tom fully embraced both the peaks and valleys along his life’s journey. Although he will be deeply missed, he will never be forgotten.

The 1930s were a trying time in our nation’s history as the entire decade was cloaked in the hardship of the great depression. Although jobs were scarce and the unemployment rate soared, there was proof that the American spirit could not be broken with the completion of both the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building while work on Mount Rushmore continued. Despite the hardship around them, Frank and Catherine (Osterholt) Fortman were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby as the heat of the summer held the city of Fort Wayne, firmly in its grip. The big day finally arrived on July 8, when the baby boy they named Thomas J. drew his first breath. He was one of three children in his family and was raised alongside his brother, Bob, and his sister, Marilyn.

From the time he was a young boy Tom was a bustle of activity. He attended local schools where he was in the band, orchestra, marching band, jazz and color guard. Even though he only wrestled for a short time, Tom held a record at Central Catholic High School. He wrestled during the school’s first ever wrestling season and he also had the school’s first pin.

After graduating from high school in 1956, Tom went to Purdue University in Fort Wayne and received his Associate’s Degree in Building Technology from Purdue University, graduating in 1958. Ready for adventure, Tom soon headed up to Alaska where he took a job with the state doing land surveying. After a few years, he returned home.

Not to be forgotten during his early twenties was his introduction to the woman of his dreams. Her name was Kay K. Kummer, and they met while at the Catholic Adult Group in the early 1960s. Although they attended the same school, they didn’t really know one another until they became involved with this group. Love blossomed over time, and with a desire to build a life together they were married on Sept. 5, 1964, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Fort Wayne. Together Tom and Kay welcomed six children including Pete, Martha, Jim, Nancy, Mary and John into their hearts and home.

From the moment he became a father, Tom fully immersed himself in the role. Since they were into livestock, he taught his children how to drive by having them operate tractors. Although true vacations were difficult with his busy work season, Tom loved taking his children to museums. Since he had to get his work done during the nice weather, which meant the summer, the family rarely had time off together since the kids only had time off during the summer break for the most part. When they were able to get away, they usually went to visit family members.

Tom primarily worked as a heavy equipment operator through the union hall, IUOE doing various jobs over the years. He helped develop the ground for many future schools in the area in addition to the General Motors Plant in Fort Wayne, subdivisions and housing additions, and highway developments including the work on Interstate I-69 and I-469 expansions. Tom really enjoyed everything he did so he never really felt like he was working. His favorite project was doing the finishing work on the highway projects. Tom retired in 2005.

In addition to operating heavy equipment, he loved farming. Tom and his family were into livestock, and over the years they raised many types of animals, but he focused on raising veal calves and goats along with horses. Tom especially loved his Belgian draft horses. Since he was really never still, he continued working hard during retirement, usually helping others. Tom always was the sort of person who was more than willing to help, but during retirement he had even more time to devote to helping family and friends in this way. He selflessly put the needs of others ahead of his own and would drop whatever he was doing to lend a helping hand. Having spent the past 50 years in Larwill, Tom was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Pierceton, the Knights of Columbus Council #4511, and IUOE Local 103.

With unending love for others, Thomas Fortman was generous beyond measure. He could strike up a conversation with anyone he met, and he had a genuine desire to truly know others. Whether they were people or animals, Tom was forever bringing home a stray in need of some tender loving care, and his home was always open to all. Life will never be the same without Tom here, but his timeless legacy will be proudly carried on by those who follow in his footsteps.

Thomas “Tom” J. Fortman, of Larwill, died at 2:55 a.m. Thursday, April 16, 2015, at Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home in Fort Wayne.

Tom’s family includes his wife: Kay K. Fortman, Larwill; children: Pete (Margie) Fortman, Woodinville, Wash.; Martha (Darrin) Rubrake, Columbia City; Jim (Shannon) Fortman, South Whitley; Nancy (Tim) Wampler, Cincinnati, Ohio; Mary (Dan) Lawman, Fort Polk, La.; and John (Becky) Fortman, Auburn; brother: Bob (JoAnne) Fortman, Kennewick, Wash.; sister: Marilyn (Ed) Peters, Kendallville; and 14 grandchildren.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be held from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, April 19, at DeMoney-Grimes, a life story funeral home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City with a rosary prayer at 1:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 9:30 a.m. Monday, April 20, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 408 W. Catholic St., Pierceton, with Father Chuck Herman and Father Bill Kummer officiating. Burial will follow at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery.

Memorials may be given in his honor toward masses or the donor’s choice.