Robert Roy "Bob" Kortas

Robert "Bob" Roy Kortas, age 74, of Forest Lake, MN passed away peacefully on February 20th.
Bob was born on November 14, 1949, in Webster, SD. His family lived on their farm in Grenville, SD until he was in first grade when the family moved to New Brighton, MN. He graduated from St. John the Baptist School in 1964 and Mounds View High School in 1968.
After an honorable discharge from the Army in 1971, where he served as military police, Bob moved to Dresser, WI and worked as a warehouseman in the Twin Cities until an injury forced him to change careers. Bob spent the rest of his working years getting to know his community and "shooting the breeze" while working in sales for several car dealerships in the Twin Cities and Western Wisconsin.
In his younger days, Bob enjoyed playing baseball, softball, and horseshoes with family and friends. When "Bobby" was ten, he pitched the New Brighton Eagles (with brother Mike catching) to a league championship. As the years went by, he loved to don his cowboy hat and boots for a night on the town where he eventually met and fell in love with Arlette. Whether it was dancing or sitting by the river, they were always there for each other, especially when they needed it most.
Bob loved talking to people. Whether he was tending bar at the American Legion or local tavern or selling cars, he was always making people laugh through stories and friendly conversation.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Alphonse and Emilia Kortas; and sister-in-law, Marg Kortas.
Bob is survived by his longtime partner and caregiver, Arlette Wolff; his former wife Cathy (Craig) Gray; his four children, Jamison (Kim) Kortas, Jacquelyn (Kevin) Daly, Joshua Kortas, and Jordan Kortas; his grandchildren, Eleanor, Amelia, Wesley, Everett, and Cora; siblings, James Kortas, Judith (Pat) McHugo, and Michael (Nina) Kortas.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held in Bob's honor on Friday, March 1 visitation at 9:30 AM, mass at 10:30 AM, at St. John's the Baptist Catholic Church, 835 2nd Ave NW, New Brighton, MN 55112. Burial at Fort Snelling National Cemetery at 12:45pm.
z Panem Bogiem (Polish for "Go with God")