Clifford P. Kortz

Age 88, passed away Saturday, March 15, 2003 at Parkside Care Center in Little Chute. Cliff was born October 22, 1914 in Kaukauna, son of the late John and Josephine (Umlauft) Kortz. On June 10, 1943 he married the former Amoretta VerBoort at Holy Cross Church in Kaukauna. The couple was blessed with over fifty-nine happy years. Cliff farmed his entire life in the Kaukauna area, although he did work for a time at Thilmany Pulp and Paper. Ill health forced his early retirement, but he was still able to care for his garden. It was his pride and joy and it also allowed him to spend time outside. In Cliff’s garden, a weed could not be found! He and Amoretta enjoyed taking bus tours all over the united states and the couple was always ready for a hand of cards with relatives or friends. Cliff was a lifetime member of St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Freedom, a past member of the Freedom Golden Agers, AARP, and the Village Square Dance Club.

Cliff is survived by his wife of fifty-nine years: Amoretta Kortz of Kaukauna; two daughters: Karen (Kenneth) Schwanke and Nancy Kortz, both of Appleton; two grandchildren: David Schwanke of Forest Junction and Linda (Tim) Gridley of Boise, Idaho; two great-grandchildren: Alyssa and Jimmy Gridley; a sister: Virginia (Matt) Weyenberg of Kaukauna; four sisters-in-law: Catherine Kortz of Kaukauna, Rosella Kortz of Little chute, Cordell Bowers of Kaukauna, and Mariella Small of Thunder Bay, Ontario. Cliff was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Kirby and Orin Kortz, and by sisters Myrtle (Ray) Bowers and Olive (John) Joosten.

The funeral liturgy for Cliff will be held at 12:00 Noon on Tuesday, March 18, 2002 at ST. NICHOLAS CATHOLIC CHURCH, Freedom, with Fr. Dennis M. Ryan officiating. Interment will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Kaukauna. Friends may call at the funeral home on Monday from 4 – 8 PM and again at the church on Tuesday from 11 AM until the hour of services.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude and very special thanks to Lyle “Butch” Fink, Jerome Van Vreede, Fr. Dennis Ryan, Deacon Don Newhouse, and Dr. Travis Kroner, as well as to anyone and everyone who helped in any way during his illness. Words cannot express our thanks to the staff of ThedaCare At Home and Parkside Care Center. You cared for Cliff as though he was your very own. Thank you all so very much.

Cliff – We have many loving memories of you, and were very happy to have you with us. – Your family.