Gilbert J. Ortmeier was born on September 27, 1944 to Anton and Katherine Ortmeier. He grew up in Dodge, Nebraska, graduating from Dodge High School in 1962.

Gilbert joined the army in September of 1962. From November 1962 to April 1963, he went to Basic Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. His advanced training was in telephone communications. Then he had an 8 week training at Fort Belvoir, Virginia from April to May 1963.

After his initial training, for the next 3 1/2 years he was in the Army National Guard and had to attend meetings once a week. Then he was inactive/standby for 4 years to make his years of service a total of 8 years (active 1962-65, inactive 1965-70).

Gilbert married Lorraine Heimann on May 6, 1967. They have 4 children:

Steven Jay Ortmeier born September 27, 1967
Married Mary Gall on November 14, 1992
3 children: Lauren, Trent and Tanner

Kevin Lee Ortmeier born August 29, 1968
Married Nicole Engelhardt on August 1, 1992
4 children: Derek, Deven, Zach and Luke

Jennifer Ann Ortmeier born November 5, 1976
Married Doug Cooper on August 9, 2008
1 child: Trey

Kimberly Sue Ortmeier born February 28, 1978 
Married William Anderson on December 15, 2001
3 children: Meg, Colby and Gage

Gilbert and Lorraine lived and farmed south of Dodge until 2014 when they built a home in Dodge. Gilbert continues to help his son Kevin on the farm. They enjoy their 9 grandsons and 2 granddaughters and try keeping up with all their school and sporting events.