Richard Bernhard Kortum

MARQUETTE, MI - Richard Bernhard Kortum, age 89, of Marquette, entered eternal life Friday morning, September 20, 2024, in the loving, comforting care of his family and Lake Superior Life Care and Hospice.
Born April 17, 1935, in Kenosha, Wisconsin, a son of Bernhard and Anna Maria (Baar) Kortum, Richard was raised in Kenosha and was a 1954 graduate of Bradford High School. Following graduation, he served in the US Army from 1954 until his honorable discharge in 1957. On November 30, 1957, Richard was united in marriage to Shelby DeRocher at St. Peter Cathedral, and together they made their home in Marquette where they raised their family. Richard was employed with Semco, retiring in 1998 as a supervisor, having given 32 years of service to the company. He was a member of St. Peter Cathedral, an over 50 year member of Richard Jopling Post 44 of the American Legion, and volunteered for over 40 years at Bay Cliff Health Camp in Big Bay. He also served as past president of the Marquette Junior Hockey Corporation and was a past commander of Jopling Post 44 of the American Legion.
Richard is survived by his wife of 66 years, Shelby; his children, Steven (Lori) Kortum of Columbia Heights, MN, Paul (Susan) Kortum of Marquette, John (Lizz) Kortum of Robbinsdale, MN, James (Angie) Kortum of Shoreview, MN, and Linda Kortum of Fridley, MN; his grandchildren, Amanda Ward, Richard Kortum, Michael and Cody Kortum, Taylor and Jacob Kortum, Brandon and Sarah Kortum; six great-grandchildren; a sister, Marilyn (William) Laubenstein of Kenosha, WI; many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by a sister, Barbara Thomas.
The family will receive relatives and friends in the Bishop's Room located at St. Peter Cathedral on Wednesday, September 25, beginning at 10:00 am. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow in St. Peter Cathedral at 12:00 noon with Rev. Greg Heikkala as celebrant. Interment will be made in the Holy Cross Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Bay Cliff Health Camp, P.O. Box 310, Big Bay, MI 49808.
Canale Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at canalefuneral.com