ORTWIG – Ralph William Ortwig M.D., F.A.C.S. of Cascade passed away on September 16 2009 at the age of 75. He is survived by his wife Elaine; his two sons Kurt (Deyan) and Erik Ortwig; three grandsons Alex Max and Zach as well as both of his sisters Margaret Baker and Normal Smith. Ralph was a graduate of the University of Michigan Medical School. He was an early proponent of emergency rooms in the Grand Rapids area before specializing as an ear nose and throat doctor who became known to many of his young patients as the Balloon Doctor. He will be interned at Holy Cross Cemetery. No service or viewing will be held although a celebration of his life will be held September 21 at Watermark Country Club 5500 Cascade Rd. SE from 4 to 7 PM. He will be missed. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Charity of Ones Choice.
