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Bill Cortez Obituary
POCATELLO - Bill R. Cortez was born on August 28, 1923, in Elko, Nevada. He died at home on October 18, 2010, our Lord, Jesus Christ, has called him home. He was born to Willie and Maude (Jake) Cortez of Elko, Nevada. He was an enrolled member of the Te-Moak Tribe of Western Shoshone.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Maude (Jake) Cortez, and brothers, Diamond and Curits Cortez, cousin, Inez (Hammond) Dave, nephews, Clifford Sam, Wilfred and Willard Dave.
Bill was raised in the Elko and Carlin area. He then enlisted in the Army at the age of 17 years old. He served in Germany on the Beach of Normandy during Word War II. He then served time in Japan. Bill was decorated with the Good Conduct Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, the European Africa Middle Eastern Campaign Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.
Bill was a life time member of the VFW (Veteran Of Foreign Wars) Post 2350 in Elko. He was a member of the EVC (Clampers) of Elko. Bill participated in the traditional Sun Dance of Fort Hall, Idaho, for many years.
Bill leaves behind his loving wife of 62 years, Venus (Pocatello) Cortez; and six children, Yvonne, Marlene, Martinez, Marietta, Kenneth and Deloy Cortez. He has 10 grandchildren, Deloyd (Alanna), Yolanda (Steven), Adrian, Ria (Cliff), Wayne (December), William (Summer), Craig (Wendy), Maurica, Robert and Ashley Cortez; 14 great grand-children; nieces, Helen and Dora Dave; nephews, James and Arthur Sam, and Alex and Miles Decker of Elko, Nevada; numerous relatives, Tom's of Lee, Nevada, and Temoke's of Ruby Valley and Couchum's of Elko, Nevada, Dann's of Crescent Valley; his mom, Maude, is related to the James Osborne Sr., family of Fort Hall, Idaho
The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the staff of Hospice Alliance for their loving care they have given to our father, Bill Cortez.
A viewing will be held at the residence of Venus Cortez on the west end of Ballard and Pocatello Lane today, (Thursday, October 21, 2010), at 1 p.m. A prayer service will be held on Saturday, October 23, 2010, at 2 p.m. Traditional burial will be held at the Cedar Cemetery at 3 p.m. on Saturday.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Karynn Kaiyou
October 23, 2010
To The Family of Bill Cortez; So sorry for your loss, Now he is in heaven a very deserving man, It's hard to lose a loved one. The family is in my prayers, Karynn Kaiyou and family
Shawna Johnson-Rodriguez
October 22, 2010
Venus and family..I was very sad and sorry to hear the news of Bill passing. I know he is going to be deeply missed by many...and I know the boys are going to miss their "jojo man" he was always in there thoughts. Please accept my condolences during this very hard time. You are in my thoughts and Prayers. God Bless.
The Oppenhein Family
October 22, 2010
We send our deepest condolences for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
October 22, 2010
We send our deepest condolences for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. The Oppenhein Family (Elko, NV)
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Janet Sam Lobato
October 21, 2010
One of the last times I saw your father, was when I was just a little girl. Your family lived on ITC street. I remember him always being in the yard, chopping wood or just doing busy work I guess. But what stands out the most about him, was that I remember his smile. He had such a big bright smile! Now, when you look into the night sky and see the brightest star up there, you will know that he is still smiling. Please know that my heart is with all your family and that I am so sorry for your loss.
La Donna Stevens-Leyva
October 21, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May the Creator bless each and every one of you during the loss of your husband, dad, and grandfather.
Marie McCarthy
October 21, 2010
Our Prayers and thoughts are with you. We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Bill sounds like an amazing man who led an amazing life. Now we pray his journey will be full of peace. (McCarthy Family - Ft Bliss Tx)
October 21, 2010
Our sincere thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of grief. -Kermit Bacon and Annie Marshall
October 21, 2010
My condolences to the family, his love ones and friends. May his journey be well. Kenny Frost (Ignacio, Colorado)
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