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Leo Dee Kortz Battle Creek Leo Dee Kortz, 76, died Friday, January 25, 2013 at his home. He was born November 5, 1936. In loving memory of Leo Dee Kortz; brother, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Leo is survived by his wife, Darla Lee (Humbarger) Kortz of 56 years; five children and their spouses: Lorena (Kortz) and John Sebright of Battle Creek, Michgian; Teri (Kortz) and Patrick Duff of Battle Creek, Michigan; Katrena (Kortz) and Paul Martin of Colorado; Leo and Teri Kortz of Kalamazoo, Michigan and Bridget (Kortz) Halder of Battle Creek Michgian, his 5 beloved siblings, sisters- and brothers-in law, many nieces and nephews, 15 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents and parents-in-law, son-in-law and one great-grandchild.Leo was born in Bear Lake, Michigan, where he spent his childhood, met and married his beloved wife, and started his family. He and his wife raised their family in Battle Creek, Michigan, in the same home that they have lived for more than 45 years -- a walk through the home or gardens will reveal Leo's artistry from molding to the gazebo in the garden. He retired from Bell Telephone Company several years ago; in his "retirement" years he has enjoyed sharing his many talents with others and was known to us all as the man to go to when your car wasn't working, you had a motor that needed fixing or help with a construction project. In between his many projecs, he loved and cared for his dog, Itsy; riding his motorcycle both short and long distances, seeing many beautiful places along the way. While not known to be a patient man, he was a loving man and his son, sons-in-law, grandsons, and great-grandsons are left better men for having had him as a teacher and mentor -- he lives on in them.This is in celebration of his life -- the last several years in which he has struggled through illness but remained a vibrant and strong man (three generations have learned to drive a vehicle under his tutelage and his tractor --just a tiny part of the legacy he leaves behind) -- his family and friends will always cherish the memories of him dropping what he was doing to help with a project, fix a car, or teach a child "to do it on their own". Leo, Dad, Grandpa, Papa, Great-grandpa -- by all of your names -- we miss you already! We find comfort in the knowledge that you no longer feel pain but will wait (finally patiently) for us. May you rest in peace until we meet again (and we all know just the tractor or the gazebo that we can sit upon until that time). A private service will be held at a later date. Memorial tributes may be made to the Calhoun County Humane Society or the Cereal City Goldwing Motorcycle Club. Arrangements by the Baxter Funeral & Cremation Service. (269)788-9800 www.baxterfuneral.com
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May the Lord walk with you & His angels ride on your shoulders. Love & Blessings D.
January 31, 2013
Kortz Family-
So sorry to hear of Leo's passing. We will always remember him smiling and laughing. Great guy and friend to our parents.
From the kids of Jack and Ina Morse
Sally Simkins
January 31, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
rita becke
January 30, 2013
Grandpa Im sorry I didn't get the chance to share more time with you but I am thankful that you came back into my life and for the time we did get to spend together and that you were able to meet your great grandchildren. I love you Grampa RIP you will be missed.
Jenessa Miller
January 30, 2013
Thinking of you all in this sad time.
Tricia Walters
January 30, 2013
May the memories and love that Leo has given to you as a family help you through the days and months ahead.
Randy and Linda Sebright
January 29, 2013
Truly sorry to hear of Leo's passing I will keep all of you in my prayers.
Jeanie Lemon
January 29, 2013
I am so blessed to have had you in my life and to be part of your family. You are a wonderful man and you are missed dearly. Until we meet again. Love you
Timberlee Sebright
January 29, 2013
Heidi And Joe Jozwik
January 29, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Godspeed Leo
Teresa Farrington
January 29, 2013
I'm so sorry for your loss. My condolences to you and your family.
January 29, 2013
dear kortz family, we are so sorry for your loss. remembering all our times with you..hugs and love to all.
larry & margaret Halder
January 28, 2013
grandpa, i will never forget the memories and i will always tell my son all the great stories im so glad he got to meet you, and dont worry i will be here for grandma along with the rest of the family, we all love you so much and miss you more each and every day.
adrian
January 28, 2013
I always have too much to say....except now. I am just sad.
Heather Sebright-Peterson
January 28, 2013
For my Dear friends Teri and Darla and their families..We are so truly sorry for your loss. Leo was a terrific person, always willing to lend a helping hand when needed.We have always considered him a friend and will miss him very much.He may be gone but he lives on through his children and grandchildren. Bless your family.Hugs and all our Love
John & Kathy Swain
January 28, 2013
I really enjoyed getting to know Leo and Darla over some coney dogs, loved hearing about the travels and the bike trips. Leo was a special man to his family and all who knew him. My thoughts are with all of you.
Jeff Woodworth
January 28, 2013
Leo I will miss you very much. Very blessed to have had you in my life. I will remember all the fun times at Bunco.
Darla we are so sorry for you loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. If there is anything we can do for you please let us know.
Tammy Duff
January 28, 2013
Grandpa...You where a very GREAT man.My heart hurts knowing your no longer here with us however I know you are watching over us all. I love and miss you dearly!!
Angie Duff
January 28, 2013
We are so very sorry for your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with all of you.
Esther & Tom Whitley
January 28, 2013
Grandpa you where a great man and we all will miss you dearly. My heart hurts knowing your no longer here with us, but just when I feel sad I know your watching over us! Love you all so much...
Angie Duff
January 28, 2013
Leo and famly,
So sorry to hear about the passing of Leo Sr. You all will be in my thoughts.
Jim Ferree
January 28, 2013
My heart felt prayers are with you and your family. May your memories carry you through this time of loss.
Vicki Sebright
January 28, 2013
Bridget and family ~
Sedning hugs and sympathy for your loss. Hoping that your thoughts and memories will help you through this difficult time.
Hugs and prayers,
Barb (Mahoney) Squires and family.
January 28, 2013
I will miss you always, my Dad and my friend. Thank You for being my Dad, I Love You!
Teri
January 28, 2013
Please accept our deepest condolences.
ewing
January 28, 2013
May knowing that God is there to comfort you during this time of sorrow give you the strength you need to make it though.
Kim Batte
January 28, 2013
You will be greatly missed by all. My thoughts and prayers for the entire family.
Amy Harness
January 28, 2013
So sorry to hear of his passing. My thoughts and prayers go to you all at this time.
Mike Henry
January 28, 2013
Leo was a genuine, good man who blessed our lives more than words can ever say. We will miss you and hold your memory in our hearts forever.
Teri Kortz
January 28, 2013
Darla and family, So very sorry for your loss. He was truly a wonderful man, loved his family dearly. Prayers are with you. Pat Fahndrich
January 28, 2013
Lori Sebright
January 28, 2013
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