Larry L. Kortje

NORFOLK – Funeral service for Larry L. Kortje, 87, of Norfolk, will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, May 3, 2025 at Grace Lutheran Church, Norfolk. Officiating the service will be Rev. Chris Asbury and Rev. Ray Wilke. Burial will take place at a later date. Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 PM Friday, at Stonacek Funeral Chapel, Norfolk. Military rites will be provided by the American Legion Post 16, V.F.W. Post 1644 of Norfolk, American Legion Riders, and the United States Army Honor Guard. Larry died on Monday, April 28, 2025 at the Heritage of Bel Air Nursing Home. Stonacek Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Larry was born on July 19, 1937 near Bazile Mills, Nebraska to Henry and Alma (Bohren) Kortje. He grew up there and attended grade school at a rural country district school. His family later moved to Norfolk where he went to Christ Lutheran School and graduated from Norfolk Senior High in 1955. He then attended and graduated from Norfolk Junior College with an Engineering Degree, and went on to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Larry married Donna Nelson on March 15, 1959 at Grace Lutheran Church, and made Norfolk their home for the next 66 years of their married life. Larry served in the United States Army from September 11, 1959 to March 10, 1960. He served in the Nebraska National Guard for years, until his honorable discharge. Larry was a sharp shooter, and was awarded the Nebraska National Guardsman of the Year in 1964. He worked at the Department of Roads for 5 years, Chicago Western Railroad for 5 years, and then in management at Dale Electronics until he retired in 2000. He enjoyed bowling, leather working, wood working, lawn mowing, RC planes, gardening, and Westerns - especially John Wayne movies. Larry was an avid fisherman and hunter, and always looked forward to going on his annual deer hunting trip near North Platte. He used to raise and band pheasants for the Nebraska Game and Park Commission. Larry looked forward to planting a huge vegetable garden every spring, and loved to share his bountiful harvest with friends and neighbors. He was a member of the 2-Cylinder Tractor Club, and took great pride in his 1947 John Deere B and displayed it often at the Sunset Plaza show. His uncle bought it new and was the first in the Knox County area to have a tractor. Larry and Donna enjoyed square dancing with the 49er’s Club, working out at the YMCA, and traveling. For years they hit every spot on the Nebraska Passport program. Larry was a faithful man of God, and a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Norfolk. There he served as elder, volunteered in Sunday school administration activities, participated in the choir, and delivered meals on wheels. Larry’s passion was his family. He was a loving and devoted son, husband and father. He mentored his children, and encouraged and guided their academic endeavors and other interests throughout their lives. He was leader in the Boy Scouts of America for many years. He loved animals, and was especially fond of his grand dogs and cats. Survivors include his wife Donna Kortje and son Kevin Kortje (Sara Abler) of Norfolk; daughter Penny Kortje of Alexandria, VA; sister Marlene (Fred) Knievel of Clearwater, NE, and their four children, Jana, Jodie, Jerrell, and Julie of various states. He was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Alma Kortje. Condolences may be expressed to the family on-line at www.stonacekfuneralchapel.com.

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Larry L. Kortje

July 19, 1937 - April 28, 2025