Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1947
DIED
2016
WILLIAM KORTESMAKI Obituary
Bill was born to parents Leo and Ella Marie Kortesmaki in 1947 in Biwabik, Minn. He graduated from Silver Bay High School in 1965. Shortly thereafter, he moved to Calif. and began working and retired from Hubbell Lighting, Inc. He married Shirley Kortesmaki in August, 1975.
Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley; his parents, Leo and Ella Marie; and his brother, Patrick Kortesmaki. Bill is survived by his daughter, Holly Kortesmaki; his stepson, Thomas Miller; his stepdaughter, Debbie Kortesmaki; his brothers, Philip Kortesmaki and Carl Kortesmaki; and two grandchildren, Francesca and Therese.
Bill was a kind, genuine soul, who loved history, nature and animals. His friends and family will miss him greatly. Arrangements are being organized.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for WILLIAM KORTESMAKI
Sponsored by The Orange County Register.
2 Entries
MICHELE E. RHOADS
February 3, 2021
Bill, I know it's 5yrs late, but I always wondered what happened to you. Now I know. It is with sorrow that I'm too late. I was certain that you would still be here but God had other plans. Again, I am saddend by that. You and Shril and I were my close friends, as we lived in building next to yours on Groveview Apt in GG. Often during the years, things have changed but I never forgot my friends. The wonderful friendship we all had. Many a day Shirl would come downstains from her apartment and over to have our daily coffee and gab sessions. I even taught Shirl to sew simple t-shirts and pants. She made a shirt of small black balls on a white shirt to symbolize our bowling league! Of course I had to make one too. What fun we had. Bill would come over every so often and sing Elvis Presley songs for us. I remember when he had the Elvis look-alike outfit and sang at a neighborhood tavern for a time. Such memories:) I even remember her giving birth to Holly. It got a little difficult for her to use the stairs to come over so we decidied I'd go up to her place for a later coffee break. As the years rolled by, Holly was a grown lady and working, having boyfriends and enjoying her life with mom and dad at home. I believe I left Groview Apts in 1980. I talked with her a few times after that. Eventally we lost contact as I found my future husband Gary. I later found out Shirl was having medial problems. I went to see her in a nearby hospital. Bad idea. I left from our visit with such sadness and anger at Satan for doing this to our Shirley. But know this, there hasn't been a day gone by that I do not think about the two of them! Never! She and Bill were the BEST people and so well matched! I remember coming to Sirleys funeral with Gary. I just could not bear to see her gone. But I KNOW where she lives now..and later Bill followed. And know that she and Bill will NEVER be forgotten. I will see them both again when I too leave this earth...
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
March 9, 2016
My deepest sympathy goes out to the family. May you find comfort from our God of comfort during this difficult time Act 24:15
BC~
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results
Make a Donation
in WILLIAM KORTESMAKI's name
Memorial Events
for WILLIAM KORTESMAKI
How to support WILLIAM's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor WILLIAM KORTESMAKI's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
