Ernest Kortman

Ernest M. Kortman age 77 of Rogers City
passed away February 23, 2011 at home

He was born June 27, 1933 in Rogers City
to Harold and Viola (Bredow) Kortman

Ernie served in the United States Army during the Korean War. On April 8, 1964 he
married Gertrude Gapezynski. He was co-owner of M & K Forest Products. Ernie
retired from the Calcite plant in 1993 after 30 years of employment. Mr. Kortman
enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and family at deer camp, his cottage at
Grand Lake, and fishing on Lake Augusta. A farmer at heart, he spent many hours in
his garden. He also enjoyed using his hands to construct buildings and do home
improvements, Summer evenings were spent listening to the Detroit Tigers, Sunday
afternoons were devoted to watching Detroit Lions football games. Ernie will be
remembered as an avid card player, a story teller, and for his sense of humor.

He is survived by:
wife, Gertrude;
7 children, Tim (Helen) Paul of North Carolina, Linda (Ron) Jett of Florida,
Ken (Lil) Paul of Texas, Todd (Dawn) Kortman of Johannesburg,
Gail (Jeff) Kristola of Marquette, Eric (Sharon) Kortman of Whittemore,
and Carla (Gene) Eperjesi of Pennsylvania;
12 grandchildren;
2 brothers, Dave (Kay) and Ken (Gail);
1 sister, Melvina (Roy) LaPointe

Mr. Kortman was preceded in death by:
parents, Harold and Viola;
2 sisters, Dorothy Witkowski and Lucille Gabara;
1 brother, Harold

Friends may visit at the Beck Funeral Home on Friday from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. with
a prayer service at 7:00 p.m, Visitation will resume on Saturday at St. John
Lutheran Church from 10:00 a.m. through time of funeral at 11:00 a.m. with
Pastor John Schreiber officiating. Rogers City VF W Post 607 will offer a military
tribute following the church service.

Interment will take place at St. John Lutheran Cemetery – Hagensville, in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. John Lutheran Church General Fund
or St. John Lutheran Scholarship Fund in memory of Emest Kortman.