Wesley Weert Gortmaker was born March 10, 1937 in Ree Height, South Dakota. Wes’s family moved to Highmore, South Dakota when he was a child.

Wes met Norma in 1954 and they started dating before he went into the United States Army. Wes and Noma exchanged letters while he was stationed in Japan and Guam. Wes and Norma were married on November 22, 1956 after he returned from overseas. Wes then was stationed in Korea from December 1956 – April, 1958. In 1962 Wes was stationed in Germany, Norma and three of their kids met up with him a couple of months later. They were in Germany for three years and had two more children. In May of 1966 Wes was stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia. Between the years of 1965 – 1966 Wes was stationed in Vietnam and Germany. In 1967 Wes and Norma had another child. Wes then was stationed Vietnam and Korea from 1967 – 1969. Wes and Norma had their last baby in 1970. Wes then went back to Vietnam and again to Japan before returning in 1974.

Wes used his heavy equipment mechanic training, that he received in the Army and worked for many different companies, prior to opening his own heavy equipment mechanic business in 1990.

Wes was a very kind and caring person, always looking out to help anyone in need, giving them a place to stay and providing a meal.

Wes is survived by his wife, Norma of 67 years. His seven children Wesley Wayne and his wife Mary, Delbert and his wife Rhonda, Teresa and her husband Scott, Rick, Victoria, Rex and Kirk. His sister, Veronica Ermish. Grandchildren Rex Jr., Ashley, Chelsea, Matthew, Alie, Neysa, Kirsten and seven great-grandchildren.

Wes was preceded in death by his mother Veronica, father Weert, brothers Jurin, Danny, Benny and his sister Jessie.