Richard Joseph Kortus

Orlando, FL                          

Lodge #766                                                                                    

Richard “Dick” Kortus

May 10, 1932 – November 28, 2021

Dick passed away November 28, 2021 in Orange Park Medical Center at the age of 89.

He was born to Joseph Frank and Mabel Kortus on May 10, 1932 in Berwin, Illinois. Dick and his brother Bob lost their mom at an early age and their father during WWII. His father placed Dick and Bob in Mooseheart outside of Chicago before he went to fight in WWII. Dick graduated from Mooseheart and went to St. Joseph University in Iowa graduating with a degree in history. Dick served in the US Army for two years then worked as an auditor for AC Nielson Co. retiring in 1989.

Dick married Emiko Ayabe on October 14, 1958 in Cumberland, NC.  Emiko  made her way from Japan a the age of 18 along with her younger sister Mutsuko Ayabe Kennerly. Dick adopted Muts as his own and helped raise her. Muts later married Lee Kennerly. Lee and Muts  had one daughter Alison Kennerly Wright. They were always a big part of Dick’s life. He loved them dearly. Dick had three sons Robert, Robin and Rene.  Robert preceded him in death. Dick was also blessed with Betty Bonetti who was his partner for many years. Betty’s daughter Liz and her husband Rick Heirs and son Ricky were also major part of Dick’s life. Dick had 5 grandchildren Stuart Kortus, Sean Kortus, Rene Kortus II, Rylan Kortus, and Randall Kortus. Dick had two great grandchildren, Landon Kortus son of Alicia and Sean Kortus and Hailey daughter of Stuart and Billy Jo Kortus. Ricky Heirs and Crystal Arellano were his adopted grandchildren.

He became affiliated with the Loyal Order of Moose on August 8, 2001 when he joined Orlando, Florida Lodge #766. Dick was an avid golfer with a lifetime of 16 hole in ones. He enjoyed fishing and spending time with his grandchildren. Dick came to Moosehaven on December 10, 2019 with his dog Nelly where he has resided for almost 2 years. 

He will be laid to rest January 8^th, 2022. Services will be held at Hope Lutheran Church 2600 N. Dean Road Orlando, FL  32817 at 11:30am

Dick is survived by his son Robin Kortus of Charlotte, NC and son Rene Kortus of Oviedo, Florida.  He was dearly loved by his family and friends and will be missed.