Dennis Fortmeyer

Dennis Joseph Fortmeyer, 80, of Medford, Oklahoma, passed away on January 1, 2026, in his home of cardiac arrhythmia and congestive heart failure. 

Born on March 31, 1945, in Enid, Oklahoma to Albert and Mary Magdalen Fortmeyer. Denny completed three years of high school at St. Francis de Sales seminary, his senior year at Caldwell Public HS, graduating in 1963. That was followed with a BS in Elementary Education from St. Mary’s of the Plains in Dodge City, KS  and a master’s degree in special education from Kansas University. 

Dennis spent a total of 42 years teaching, notably 12 years at the Larned State Hospital Prison Division where he made many friends. For most of his career he lived in Pauls Valley, OK, teaching for 25 years at Central Oklahoma Juvenile Center in Tecumseh, OK.

Known for his photography, love for cats and curious, outgoing nature.  By age thirteen, Denny knew he was a shutterbug, documenting many events with his photos. He mused that he had more than 1000 photo shoots under his belt. Most of these he did without compensation for family, friends and acquaintances. His love for cats led him to build an indoor/outdoor shelter in his Pauls Valley home that housed dozens of cats over the years. Denny could start a conversation with anyone about just about anything. He was willing to  discuss both politics and religion. He could tell you when and where to look for sandplums, or even when and where to avoid running into Sasquatch!

Those who knew Denny best, knew that the inner Denny was a man who deeply loved and strived to love us well. He forged lifechanging relationships with some who were “the least of these,” he was caretaker to his father during his last difficult weeks on earth and 21 years later, even being unwell himself, he did the same for his brother.

Dennis is survived by his niece Dayna Welch (husband Jay), nephew Dan Parmele (wife Diana) and niece Darla Tate (husband David). 

He was preceded in death by his parents Albert and Magdalen Fortmeyer and sister Arlene Parmele. His older brother Leon died on the same day as he did.

Visitation will be held 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026 at Schaeffer Mortuary.

Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026 at Schaeffer Mortuary in Caldwell, Kanas. Inurnment will follow at the Caldwell City Cemetery, Caldwell, Kansas.

Memorials may be made to Caldwell Scouts Pack 940 or to the Caldwell Food Bank and sent in care of the mortuary.