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Jerald Bort Obituary
ROSEWOOD HEIGHTS — Jerald "Jerry" Dean Bort, 79, was called home to be with the Lord on Friday, Aug. 28, 2020 at 3:15 p.m., due to stroke related decline.
He was born Nov. 30, 1940 in Bunker Hill, Illinois, he was the son of Fred and Edith (Kirkwood) Bort.
He married Joyce Verlee (Heuer) Bort on June 15, 1963, with whom he shared the joy of raising their two children and 53 years of marriage before her passing April 18, 2017.
He is survived by one son, Chris Bort and his wife, Sabrina of East Alton, Illinois; one daughter, Cara Stearns and husband, Kelly of Edwardsville, Illinois; grandchildren, Sam, Spencer and Simon Stearns, Heather Brown; brother, Fred (Sylvia) Bort of Prairietown, Illinois; sister, Helena DeMoss of Aurora, Illinois; sisters-in-law, JoAnn Lesemann of Dorsey, Illinois, and Janette Heuer of Edwardsville.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; an infant daughter, Teri Ann Bort; a twin brother, Bruce Bort and his wife, Irene; sister-in-law, Janelle Heuer; his brothers-in-law, Donald Heuer and wife, Corleen, along with Herbert Lesemann, and Rev. Walter DeMoss.
Jerry retired as a Captain at Clayton (Missouri) Fire Department in 1994 after 26 years of service. He had been a volunteer firefighter for 40 years and retired as Fire Chief of the Rosewood Heights, Illinois, Fire Department.
He started as a Bunker Hill Fire Department volunteer for 10 years. Jerry also enjoyed a few years as a barber in Alton.
Jerry was a Vietnam veteran, serving in the U.S. Army from 1966-1968. He served in the Vietnam Conflict - 1st Division, including the "Tet Offensive" of 1968. He was a lifetime member of VFW Post 1308.
Jerry graduated from Decatur Barber College in 1958, he graduated from East Alton-Wood River High School - "Class of 1959". He also attended St. Louis Community College - Forest Park earning a degree in Fire Science in 1977.
In retirement, Jerry was a tour guide for the Great River Museum at the Melvin Price Lock and Dam.
He enjoyed traveling around the United States and abroad; and enjoyed time as a "Friend of the Fox" usher. He was a loving caregiver and handyman to his family, friends and community.
Jerry was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Wood River, having served as an elder and usher. He was also a member of the Madison County Fireman's Association.
He was sincerely loved, appreciated and always there for his family and friends, especially his children and grandchildren.
Visitation will be held 9 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 5 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Wood River, Illinois. Pastor David Schultz will officiate.
Burial will follow in Bunker Hill Cemetery.
Marks Mortuary in Wood River is entrusted with arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jerald Bort
Janet Meredith
August 29, 2022
We miss the Bort's, they were both such awesome people and were always sharing their love with the community. Great people.
Ralph & Becky Chester
September 9, 2020
Jerry was a great neighbor who could do any type of electrical work we needed done and was always willing to help. We started our friendship with Jerry wiring of our new garage on Bender, while he was being “supervised” by our retired neighborly work inspection crew. Then he recanted the “King” of Forest Dr. He was again A neighbor, just around the corner, & ready to lend a hand when needed, weather it was an electrical job, yard fire or emergency call! He was a wonderful neighborhood friend! Rest In Peace “King”, job well done!
Donna Walker
September 3, 2020
So sorry to hear of Jerrys passing.
Prayers to his family.
Donna Walker
Norine Sauerwein Striegel
September 3, 2020
I was so very sorry to hear about Gerald. He was a 1958 classmate of mine. I shall remember him as one who was always a gentleman and a very nice person. In death, we are simply passing from God's earthly care to His eternal care forever. May God comfort all of you and may all of the memories of him and your time together comfort you in your great loss.
Amy Moses
September 3, 2020
My condolences go out to Chris and Cara and the family, so very sorry for your loss. Keeping you all in my prayers.
Joanne Lenhardt
September 1, 2020
I celebrate the new life Jerry has begun. My deepest sympathy in your loss
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