Paul C. Kortier, age 93, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving wife and family on Saturday, January 21, 2023.
Paul Carl Kortier was born in Flat Rock on July 23, 1929, to the late Omer and Florence (Bruskotter) Kortier. On September 15, 1954, he married Cecile L. Tortorelli. Paul was proud to serve 35 years in the Military, US Army (2 years), the Air National Guard (33 years). He was also a truck driver for 35 years, a 4th Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus. He served as an usher and greeter of St. Augustine Catholic Church for many years, as well as volunteering on the Board of Directors of Michigan Lakes and Streams (25 years).
He was an avid outdoor enthusiast, enjoying boating, snowmobiling, doing busy work around his yard, but most of all he enjoyed spending time around the bonfire at his home on Lake Avalon with all his family and friends. He was the BESTEST: husband, dad, father-in-law, papa, pops, big papa, pappy, uncle, son, brother, and friend. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
Surviving is his wife of 68 years, Cecile; children; Katherine Monroe, Barbara (James) Johnoff, Paul (Angela) Kortier, Michelle (Jamie) Babcock; 11 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; 2 brothers; Herb Kortier, Tom (Judy) Kortier; brother-in-law; Lawrence Hutchinson, as well as many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by in-laws; Cecil Tortorelli, Alma Novak. sisters; Betty Grant, Mary Pavlik, Marcile Hutchinson; and brother; Ronald Kortier.
The family would like to give special thanks to all the teams from Hospice of Michigan- Alpena, Gentiva (Kindred) Hospice- Kalamazoo, Gentiva (Southerncare) Hospice of NW Ohio. Also, an extra special thanks, for going above and beyond in our time of need, Travis Weigel and Brooks Babcock at Weigel Funeral Home, Swanton for all the arrangements in Ohio.
Visitation will be at St. Augustine Catholic Church, Hillman on Thursday January 26, 2023, from 4 – 8 p.m. with the rosary beginning at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue Friday January 27, 2023, from 10am until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial at 12 p.m. Arrangements are being handled by Bannan Funeral Home of Alpena.
Interment: St. Augustine Catholic Cemetery
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Augustine Catholic Church, or any of the Hospices listed.
