Erlin Stortz

Erlin Stortz, age 94, of Decorah, IA died Friday, May 25, 2012 at the Winneshiek Medical Center in Decorah. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, May 30, 2012 at the St. Benedict’s Catholic Church in Decorah, with Father Philip Gibbs presiding burial will be in the Phelps Cemetery in Decorah. Visitation will be on Tuesday, May 29, 2012 from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Schluter Balik Funeral Home in Decorah with a rosary at 5:00 p.m. there will also be visitation from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. Wednesday at the Funeral Home Erlin Walter Stortz was born on January 13, 1918, the son of Walter and Luella (Stoskopf) Stortz on the family farm near Decorah, IA. Erlin graduated from Decorah High School and farmed north of Decorah. He also drove livestock truck for many area farmers. Erlin married Agnes Carolan, on February 16, 1939, at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church in Bluffton. Together they farmed and raised their family. He enjoyed dancing, hunting, fishing, socializing, driving the Amish, and traveling to Texas to see family. The last three years, Erlin has been a resident at the Aase Haugen Nursing Home. Survivors are three daughters: Sharon (James) Huber, Calmar, IA, Shirley (Larry) Whalen, Rochester MN, and Earline (Ed) Walters, Dallas, TX. Two sons: Gary (Bev) Stortz, Decorah, IA, and Craig (Julene) Stortz, Canton MN. One sister: Geraldine (Erbie) Steffens, Decorah, IA. One sister-in-law: Hazel Stortz, Decorah, IA. Twenty-six grandchildren, fifty-nine great grandchildren and four great great grandchildren. Erlin was preceded in death by his parents: Walter and Luella Stortz. His wife: Agnes on May 4, 1987. One brother: Robert Stortz on Sept. 23, 1995. One grandson: Michael Stortz on July 4, 1990. Two great grandchildren: Brooke Linderbaum and Brady Stortz. Brothers and sisters-in-law: Mary (Larry) Kelly, Katie (Harry) Wagner, Anastasia (Curtis) Foltz, Edward (Agnes) Carolan and Terrance Carolan.