Robert E. Kortens, age 73, a lifelong resident of Rockwood, entered eternal life on July 11, 2024, at Aurora Medical Center in Two Rivers.
Robert was born July 20, 1950 in Manitowoc. He was the son of the late Edward and Gladys Kortens. Bob attended Lincoln High School and graduated with the class of 1968. On October 4, 1969, he married Sandra Miller at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Francis Creek. Bob began his work life working on the family farm. He then worked at Eck Industries for 48 years, until his retirement. Upon retirement he continued to work in areas that he enjoyed, and over the last five years he worked at Nelson Truck Lines. He greatly enjoyed working on the diesel trucks and also enjoyed his co-workers and his time there. Bob greatly enjoyed working on his classic cars – restoring a 1962 Scout, 1964 and 1983 Cadillacs, a 1950 Chevy Pick- Up, a 1983 “Old Blue” Chevy pick-up, and numerous other cars throughout the years. He was always willing to give a hand to others with their restorations and his work area was always full of other people’s cars and people. Bob was lucky enough to be introduced to AA over the last 18 years and has been very committed to helping so many people in the Manitowoc Community on their journeys. He has led meetings, sponsored others and was there for others in need. Bob was a lifelong diehard Packer Fan and his children remember watching games with him through the best of times, as well as their rough times. Bob would always say, “There is still time” and would never give up on them. Except for that playoff game against Seattle in January of 2015 where several family members ended up sobbing. Bob enjoyed cookouts with his family and playing Sheepshead. He had taught all of his children the game, although some have better skills than others. Some are just terrible (You know who you are). Bob also enjoyed attending his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events, music concerts and theatre productions.
Bob is survived by his four children: Jacob (Kim) Kortens, Manitowoc; Jena (David) Foster, Manitowoc; Joshua (Emily) Kortens, Manitowoc; Jed (Imelda) Kortens, San Jose, CA; eight grandchildren: Grace, Emily, Logan, Max, Hudson, Jackson, Maryjane, and Jessica; sisters Cathy (the late Loran) Liddel and Janet (Dick) Grochowski; many members of the Beans and Agnes Miller family and Schieg family; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife Sandy; parents Edward and Gladys; and siblings Mary Sotos and Dan (Donna) Kortens.
Cremation has taken place at the Harrigan Parkside Crematory and Chapel. A memorial visitation for relatives and friends will be held at the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home, 628 N. Water St., Manitowoc, on Thursday, July 18, 2024, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. A prayer service will be held at 6:30 p.m. led by Rev. Maximos Davies, followed by shared memories with those in attendance. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are appreciated to Alano Society, 404 S. 29th St., Manitowoc, WI 54220. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com.
The family wishes to extend special thanks to the excellent staff at Aurora Medical Center in Two Rivers for their wonderful, compassionate care of Bob.
