John Lawrence Wortmann, 53, of Auxvasse, passed away unexpectedly at his home east of Auxvasse on Monday, August 11, 2025 and went to be with the Lord.
John was born on January 5, 1972 in Josephville (St. Charles County) to James and the late Beverly (Fisher) Wortmann. He graduated from Fort Zumwalt North High School in 1990 and moved with his family to rural Montgomery City. There he met the love of his life, Jill Christine Daume, uniting in marriage on June 3, 1995. They bought their farm east of Auxvasse, where they have spent 30 loving years and raised three sons.
John dedicated most of his working life to working as a millwright, grain handling and storage and electrical wiring. He was a skilled welder and could build anything with metal. In 2009, he started Wortmann Agri-Servies LLC, building it into a successful business but he was always a cowboy at heart. He loved raising cattle and working around the farm. He was an exceptional herdsman. He found peace in hunting, fishing, spending time in the woods and taking off on scenic drives. He enjoyed the simple quiet beauty of life. More than anything, John cherished his family. They were his greatest source of happiness. A man of faith, he lived as a follower of Christ and led by example – his actions speaking more loudly than words. John leaves behind a legacy of hard work, kindness and steadfast love. He was a devoted husband, a proud father and a loyal friend to many.
John is survived by his wife Jill of the home; sons, Mason Wortmann and wife Maureen of Martinsburg, Layne Wortmann of Mexico and Cooper Wortmann of Auxvasse; father, James Wortmann; sisters, Julie Walton and husband Mike and Lisa Fisher; and brothers Tony Wortmann and wife Meribeth and Jarrod Wortmann and wife Karla.
Visitation will be held from 2 p.m.-6 p.m. on Aug. 17 at Schlanker Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at Auxvasse City Presbyterian Church the following day at 10 a.m., with Pastor Jim Graham officiating. Interment will be held in Hickory Grove Cemetery east of Auxvasse.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Auxvasse City Presbyterian Church for Samaritan’s Purse (Operation Christmas Child) or Faith Maternity Care.
