John “Jack” Stortz, 81, of Ottawa, Illinois passed away Tuesday, February 2, 2016 at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 6, 2016 at St. Mary’s Church in Naplate with Father Tony Fevlo officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home on Friday, with prayers at 3:45 and from 9:30 to 10:00 a.m. half hour prior to the services on Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Oakwood Memorial Park. Arrangements have been entrusted to Ottawa Funeral Home & Crematory.
Jack was born November 20, 1934 in Ottawa, to George and Mary (Laffins) Stortz. He married Joanne Walsh on August 20, 1960 at St. Columba Church in Ottawa.
Jack ran Taylor Street Market with his parents for many years. He graduated from Ottawa Township High School and then Bradley University. Jack proudly served in the United States Army. He was a Green Bay Packers fan and a fan of the Chicago White Sox. He loved bowling, gardening, crossword puzzles, and spending his winters in Florida. Jack was a member of the Eagle Scouts, St. Mary’s Church, St. Mary’s Men’s Club, the Moose, and the Ottawa Men’s Bowling Association.
He is survived by his wife, Joanne Stortz; two children, Jodi (Brian) Porter and Jay Stortz (Kris Tuuk), both of Ottawa; three grand children, Jake Stortz, Trent Porter, and Maddie Porter; and two brothers, Gary Stortz and Barry Stortz (Jeanie Caskey).
He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister-in-law, Barb Stortz; and his grandson baby Porter.
Pallbearers will be Trent Porter, Jake, Ben, Bryan, Brett, Roger, and David Stortz, and Nathan Holland.
Memorials may be directed to the LaSalle County Nursing Home.
Jack is laid to rest in the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum, Sanctuary of Prayer.