William Cerles "Bill" Kortè

William "Bill" Kortè

June 21, 1929 – November 19, 2025

William "Bill" Kortè, 96, of Forest Grove, Oregon passed away from natural causes on November 19th, 2025, beside his loving wife.

Bill was born in San Jose, California on June 21st, 1929, to his mother Pauline Gahan and father Edwin Kortè. He grew up fast and graduated from Lowell High School in San Francisco in 1947.

At the age of 16, Bill joined the United States Army where he served for more that 20 years. He retired honorably after reaching the rank of Major. He was always proud of his service to his country.

After the Army, he joined the National Guard. During this time, he met and married his wife Marilyn Sather on July 10th, 1955. They welcomed their only child Marlee Kortè in the fall of 1958.

After his service, Bill started his second career with Freightliner Trucking where he began as a mechanic and eventually became a chassis line supervisor. A proud moment he shared during his time at Freightliner was having Marlee work with him over her summer breaks from school. Bill retired from Freightliner in April of 1991.

Throughout his life, Bill held active roles within the Masonic Family Organizations. He was raised to Master Mason at Friendship Lodge #160 AF & AM on November 26th, 1969, and served as Worshipful Master in 1979. He was also a member of the York Rite, Scottish Rite, Al Kadar Shrine, and DeMolay during his youth.

Bill and Marilyn were active in Valient-Sellwood and Redmond Chapters, Order of the Eastern Star where he served as Worthy Patron. They were also active in Kellogg and Mirror Courts, Order of the Amaranth where he served as Royal Patron and Grand Royal Patron in 2018-2019. Finally, they played an active role in Bethel's #1 and #11, Job's Daughters. Bill served as Associate Bethel Guardian and Associate Grand Guardian in 1984-1985.

Bill is survived by his wife Marilyn Kortè, his daughter Marlee Frazier, his son-in-law Pat Frazier, his three grandchildren Meghan Frazier, Ian Frazier (Abby), Kristi Reid (Michael), and six great-grandchildren.

The memorial service will be held at 11am on Saturday, December 13th, 2025, at the Salem Scottish Rite Center at 4090 Commercial Street SE, Salem, OR 97302. Arrangements are being handled by Omega Funeral & Cremation Service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Amaranth Diabetes Foundation, the HIKE Fund, or the Portland Shriner's Hospital. The family of Bill Korte would like to thank Jennings McCall and Tenderly Hospice for the care they provided during his time with them.