Gerald "Jerry" Stortz

     Jerry Stortz, age 80, of Decorah, IA, died on Monday, March 16, 2015, at the Patty Elwood Center in Cresco, IA.     Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, March 21, 2015, at St. Benedict Catholic Church, 307 West Main Street, Decorah, IA, with Rev. Phillip Gibbs presiding.   Burial will be in St. Benedict Catholic Cemetery, Decorah, IA.      Friends may call from 3:00-7:00 p.m., on Friday, March 20, 2015, at the Schluter – Balik Funeral Home, 604 South Avenue, Decorah, IA, and also after 9:30 a.m., at the church on Saturday morning.       Gerald Francis Stortz was born on April 14, 1934, the son of Alfred and Nellie (Walsh) Stortz on the family farm northeast of Decorah. Jerry attended country school through eighth grade and graduated from Decorah High School in 1952. He was active in band, with a special passion for the trumpet. He was honored to play in trumpet trios at the Dorian Music Festivals at Luther College. Jerry voluntarily served in the United States Marine Corps from December 8, 1953 to January 24, 1956. He completed a six-month tour of duty in South Korea. Upon returning home from the service, he farmed the family farm with his parents. On September 3, 1960, he was united in marriage to Ruth Nordheim of Decorah at St. Benedict Catholic Church. This marriage was blessed with five children: Kathryn, Debra, Randall, Susan, and Heidi.      In addition to farming, Jerry enjoyed his years as a custodian at Decorah High School and selling real estate in the Decorah area. He had a strong work ethic, and always took pride in the work he did and his relationships with people.      Jerry enjoyed amateur radio, sprint car races, model rockets, and remote controlled airplanes. He had a passion for tinkering and fixing things, especially electronic items, He took great pride and pleasure in being able to help his children and grandchildren with projects. His greatest love, above all, was spending time with family. He was a lifelong member of St. Benedict Catholic Church.      Jerry is survived by his wife: Ruth Stortz. Five children: Kathryn (Jay) Uthoff, Decorah, IA, Debra (Mike) Schacherer, Decorah, IA, Randall (Theresa) Stortz, Decorah, IA, Susan (Marinus) Mlady, Cresco, IA, and Heidi (Kevin) Bohr, Ossian, IA. Twenty-one grandchildren: Megan (Nathan) Walker, Andrew (Jennie) Uthoff, Matthew Uthoff; Samuel, Maleah, and Zachary Garwood, Travis and Nicholas Schacherer; Derrick (and friend, Carley) Stortz, Dustin (Erica) Stortz, Darren (and fiancée, Lizzy) Stortz, Trisha (Cody Reicks) Stortz; Kara (Tim) Brunkhorst, Courtney (Nathan) Hansel, Brittany (Travis) McIntyre; William, Dawn, Samantha, Anita, Trevin, and Ella Bohr. Eight great-grandchildren: Adam, Tenley, Reese, Christian, Ian, Natalie, Ashlyn, and Coleson. One sister: Marilyn Reicks, Gentry, AR. Brothers and sisters-in-law: Merton Fairchild, Canton, MN, Phyllis and Jim Nesteby, Decorah, IA, Ellen and Bud Aasum, Mabel, MN, Evelyn and Mervin Vatland, Wautoma, WI, Kenneth and Gloria Nordheim, Decorah, IA, Robert and Doris Nordheim, Neenah, WI, Ardith and Dean Nierling, Decorah, IA, along with many special nieces, nephews, and cousins.      Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; Alfred and Nellie Stortz, son-in-law; John Garwood, grandson; Greg Mlady, granddaughter; Hope Bohr, brother and sister-in-law; Charles and Norma Stortz, his father- and mother-in-law; Wallace and Ulah Nordheim, and sister-in-law Shirley Fairchild.