Michael John Kort

Michael J. Kort, age 75 of Auburn, NE (formerly Kansas City MO) passed away on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at his home.

Michael John Kort was born on July 24, 1950 in Hastings, NE; the son of Delbert Carl and Elna Jesse (Van Boening) Kort. He grew up near Blue Hill, NE, attended school and graduated from the Blue Hill High School with the Class of 1968. He then attended Central Nebraska Technical College at Hastings and received his Associate Applied Science Degree in Welding Technology in 1970.

Mike began employment with Western Land Roller Manufacturing in Hastings where he worked until 1972. He then began his career at Hastings Welding Supply Co. where he worked in counter sales, phone orders and coordinating deliveries. In 1977, he moved to Lincoln Welding Supply Co. in Lincoln, NE selling and delivering welding supplies. After four years, he transferred to Kearney Welding Supply Co. as their store manager. In 1982, he moved to Kansas City, MO and began working at Poster Foundation Co. and later for Dupuis Redi-Mix where he retired in 2015 after numerous years of employment. Mike also served in the Nebraska Army National Guard from 1970 to 1976.

He is survived by his soulmate of 47 years, Debra Lynn Esser of Auburn, NE; siblings: Linda Crum of Hastings, NE, David Kort of Blue Hill, NE, Sueann Kort of Hastings, NE, Joette Stevens (Pat) of Campbell, NE, Jeannette Fast (Marvin) of Hastings, NE; his beloved pet cat Squirt; numerous nieces, nephews, other family and many friends.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents; brother Dennis Kort and his wife Linda and a sister-in-law Marge Kort.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 22, 2025 at the Merten-Butler Funeral Home in Blue Hill, NE. Inurnment will follow at the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery. Casual attire including Nebraska Cornhusker and Kansas City Chiefs fan gear is encouraged.

The family will greet friends from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home prior to the service.

Memorials may be directed to the DAV (302 S. Elm Ave., Hastings, NE 68901) or St. Croix Hospice (1001 S. 70th St., Ste. 113, Lincoln, NE 68510).