John Kortes

John Kortes, 101, passed away Saturday May 9, 2009 in Life Care Center, Casper. He was born March 26, 1908 in Elk Mountain, Wyoming to Andrew and Laura Inez (Richie) Kortes. John moved to the family ranch in the Leo Community in 1917 where he was a life long rancher. During the Seminole Dam construction John was a Deputy Sheriff. During WWII he was a purchasing agent for the Evansville, Indiana Ship Yard where they built LST's. In May of 2003, he moved to Life Care Center of Casper. John was a volunteer observer for the National Weather Service for 73 years. In 2000 John received the Ruby Stufft Award for 70 years of continuous service. He also belonged to the Carbon County Farm Bureau, Pathfinder Lodge #42 and the American Missionary Fellowship. John was known for detailed paperwork, precise welding and delicious cookies. His family would describe him as a hard working man that cared for people and worshiped God.
Survivors include, nephew G.G. and wife Kim Kortes and their daughter Chalsey Kortes all of Leo; niece Nancy Shepperson of Casper and her sons, Keith of Casper and Kevin and wife Jaquel and their daughters Gabrielle and Aubrey all of Anchorage, Alaska; niece, Tina and Dick Willis and son Sean Burke all of Wheatland; niece, Darlene Herman and daughters, Carrie Herman and Bobbie and husband Mark Wagner and their children Freddie and Tom all of Elk Mountain. John was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Thelma Patricia and brothers, Halsey Arne, Charles Andrew and Donald Douglas Keith.
Memorial services will be held Thursday May 14 at 2:30pm in Newcomer Funeral Home.