Seventy-five years later, Wortman’s legacy lives on

While gathering photos and information for a 75th anniversary tribute message published in this edition, I discovered a few other tid-bits about the late Ken Wortman, a man who left a legacy of accomplishments as “Mr. Aurora.” I also recalled a few fond memories of my own interactions with Ken, and if you talk to other locals it seems everyone has a Ken Wortman story.
Wortman bought the Ford dealership from Cliff Rose in 1948, then changed the name of the dealership to Wortman Motor Company. The local Ford dealership flew under the Wortman flag for 64 years, a colorful era that ended in 2012 with a sale to Jason Friesen of Sutton.
Selling cars wasn’t the only business venture with Ken’s name on it. The town’s only motel on Highway 34 still bears his name, which seems a fitting tribute to a man who quite literally welcomed everyone he met to Aurora, and helped them find a place to live if they needed one. Ken’s Motel was the first project in a business that  would become Wortman Enterprises, a venture still operating today under the watchful eye of Ken and Marilyn’s daughter, Jayne.
My first conversation with Ken was in the front seat of his car as he drove us around Aurora looking for a place to rent when my family moved here in 2000. It was supposedly a secret at the time that Paula and I were buying the newspaper from Butch Furse, a deal that wouldn’t be announced until six months later, but Ken knew better. His business instincts were amazing, and it wasn’t until months later that I realized he was beginning to groom me that day to get involved, give of your time, talent and treasure, and try to help make a positive difference. He mentored many young businessmen like that over the years, wanting to share his passion, and vision, for making Aurora better.
Ken lived that motto by example. Newspaper archives at the Plainsman revealed photos of him donating a car to the school’s driver education program in the 1950s, for example, one of many vehicles he donated in his early years to show that he was vested in the community. I also ran across numerous articles detailing his involvement and leadership with Memorial Hospital in Aurora, as well as Central Community College in Grand Island. He did in fact make a difference, leaving a lasting legacy on both of those organizations, and others, which is extremely visible today.
Another memory I have of Ken is when I suggested at an Aurora Development Corporation meeting that perhaps a sales tax would benefit the community, not yet fully in tune with the local culture. In no uncertain terms Ken let me know that wasn’t going to happen, drawing a chuckle from others in the room who saw it coming. “Welcome to Aurora, Kurt,” someone said.
Ken Wortman liked what he saw when he drove through Aurora in 1948. Seventy-five years later, this community is a better place because he decided to stay.
KURT JOHNSON can be reached at kjohnson@ hamilton.net