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William Fortuna Obituary
Bill was born to parents Jack and Edie Fortuna on March 28, 1947 in Smith Center, Kansas. The family relocated to Lodi with these 3 small boys - Jack, Bill, and Tom. Bill graduated from Lodi High School, and then he was proud to serve his country in Vietnam.
Bill started his career at Super Mold in Lodi. He later began employment at Pacific Coast Producers, Can Manufacturing Division where he was eventually promoted to a mechanic. PCP later became Silgan Container Corp. in Sacramento, from which he retired in 2009.
He loved spending time with his wife Linda, daughter Lori, and her boyfriend Ty Kneeland. He filled his additional hours working on his hot rod, building it from bare frame to a red masterpiece. Bill and Linda enjoyed entering and attending many classic car shows throughout California. They were members of the Lost Rods Car Club. His garage was the site of many hours spent visiting with friends and neighbors or working on projects.
Bill is survived by his wife of 40 years Linda, daughter Lori Fortuna, Tyrell Kneeland, and "grandpets" Tini and Tyson. Additionally, he is survived by his brothers Jack (Ann) Fortuna of Santa Barbara and Tom Fortuna of Stockton, mother-in-law Josie Quenzer, brother-in-law David (Laura) Quenzer, sisters-in-laws Diane Thomas and Valerie (Michael) McFee and cousins Sylvia (Herb) Rosen and Mikki (Rich) O'Sabean. He also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews.
Bill is preceded in death by his father Jack Fortuna, mother Edie (Fortuna) Walz, stepfather Harold Walz, and beloved German Shepherd Squeekie.
There will be no visitation and inurnment will be private. Friends and family will be invited to gather for a Celebration of Life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to P.A.L.S. Animal Shelter, 1040 W. Kettleman Ln., #379 Lodi, CA 95240.
Please sign the guest book at www.lodinews.com/guestbook.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Fortuna
Judy Lind Merritt
February 11, 2013
Linda, So sorry to hear about Bill. You two were so happy together. Sorry we haven't kept in touch. My prayers are with you.
Steve Sarandos
January 30, 2013
Bill and I met in the Army. We spent a whole year together in Vietnam. The moment I met Bill I knew we would be friends for a long time..When we were sent home to the states, Bill was stationed at Ft. Lewis where he met my parents and they took to him right away..He sometimes spent weekends there getting fat on my mothers cooking..We didn't see a lot of one another, but I always thought of being a great friend. I always looked forward to stopping to see him on my trips to California...Was shocked and deeply saddened to hear of his passing. I was planning on seeing him on my recent trip...R.I.P my friend
Craig Brand
January 29, 2013
Bill was a good friend to my twin brother & I in grade school & High school. We had great times together building model cars, smoking when we were not old enough and crusing around lodi in his old studebaker. Bill was a funny guy and always fun to be around. I lost communication with him after high school but will always remember him as a good friend. Sorry we lost him early. My condolences to Linda and his family.
January 29, 2013
i am so sorry about Bill ..
with deepest sympathy
Glenn Fowler
January 29, 2013
linda:
we are so sorry about your loss ... many the bitterness or your sorry soon be replaced by sweet memories ...
joe and ronnie ferrante
Sylvia and Herb Rosen
January 27, 2013
Sylvia remembers Bill as a happy smiling baby when she went with Edie on the first journey to Smith Center. It was a long train trip but he was good all the way. She was twelve at the time. That nice personality stayed with him all his life.
January 27, 2013
LINDA im so sorry over Bills passing from the nagel family
alan nagel
January 26, 2013
so sorry for Bills passing Linda he was a good man i know the pain of loosing a loved one from the nagel family we are so sorry god be with you
michele Blehm
January 26, 2013
dear linda & lori ,we so sorry to hear about bill'our thoughts and prayers r with u 'we no how much u meant to each other 'my heart goes out to u 'plez no that he will be missed by so many'ur friend michele&terry Blehm
ALAN NAGEL
January 26, 2013
Lynda im so sorry for your loss Bill was a good guy the NAGEL family
January 26, 2013
So sorry for your loss. Bill & I Spent many years working together he always had such a great sense of humor. I have many fond memories of him, he was a good man & will be missed by all who knew him. My thoughts are with you & your family. Howard Brixey
jack and jan colburn
January 25, 2013
linda and family,sorry for your loss.bill was always a good friend .we will greatly miss him!
January 25, 2013
Dear Linda & Lori, We cannot even find the words yet to let you know how much we miss Bill already, I hope the day will come when we can talk about him and reminisce about all the good times,we love you both. Rick & Wanda
January 25, 2013
Linda,
So sorry to see Bill's passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this loss. Avis
Jenny (Willhite) Gilley
January 24, 2013
Linda and Lori, my thoughts and prayers are with you both. I have such fond memories growing up on our street and your family is definitely included in those wonderful memories...
January 24, 2013
LINDA, Our family was very sadden to hear about Bill. We all have a special place in our hearts for him. Please know we are keeping you and Lori close to our hearts and in our prayers. with much sorrow, Jean, Susan, and Tony.
Heather Reagan
January 24, 2013
Lori, I am so very sorry for your loss. My heart aches for you as you grieve such a huge loss and feel such a tremendous void. Your dad sounded like a wonderful, gentle, loving, giving man who cherished his family dearly! I hope you can find comfort in the many memories you have of special times together. I know he will always remain close at heart as you will carry him with you throughout the rest of your life's journey. He will always be looking down on you with immense love and pride.
My heartfelt sympathies to you and your family, my very dear friend.
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