The memorial service for Joseph Henry Kortz, 84, of Albert Lea, will be held at 1 p.m. Friday at Bonnerup Funeral Service, 2210 East Main, Albert Lea. Interment with Military Honors by Albert Lea Veteran’s organizations will be in St. Theodore Catholic Cemetery. Friends may visit with family one hour before the service at the church.

Joe died on Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2010, peacefully at his home.

He was born on Feb. 15, 1926, in Mankato, the son of the late Ruth (Will) and Henry Kortz. He graduated with the Albert Lea High School Class of 1944, where he was a member of the track team. Joe served his country honorably in the United States Navy, in both WWII and the Korean War. After attending boot camp at Farragut, Idaho, in 1944, Joe was assigned to the USS Mountrail. He was honorably discharged on May 24, 1946; he re-enlisted and served two years in the Korean War. Joe was proud to serve his country. Joe was the heavyweight champion in the Upper Midwest Golden Gloves Boxing Tournament in Winona in March of 1948.

He married Helen Arlene Opdahl on July 22, 1955. She preceded him in death on Nov. 30, 1959. Joe later married Sharon Kay Claybourn on June 18, 1960. She preceded him in death on June 23, 1999.

Joe was proud to have served as an Albert Lea police officer. He wore Badge No. 8, from 1954 until 1962 when he retired due to a disability. He was also employed by Streater in the wood shop.

Joe is survived by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren: daughter, Julie Kortz, of Albert Lea; her children: Joe Groth and Bill Groth of Rochester, and Nicki and her boyfriend Joe Rogers and their son Quinton Rogers, of Minneapolis; son, Jim, and his wife Judy Kortz of Albert Lea and their children and grandchildren: Mitch Kortz of Albert Lea, A.J. Kortz of Mankato, Matt Johnson and LaChelle Johnson of Albert Lea and Andy and Leah Johnson of Farmington and their children: Nolan and Norah; son, Bill Kortz, of Albert Lea and his son, Samuel Josiah Adams/Kortz of Albert Lea; daughter, Lynn, and her husband Harold Denton of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and her children: Randi and her husband David Mutnick of Deerfield, Ill., and their children: Josie and Eli, and Christopher Opp and his girlfriend Mandi Sackett and her child, Allie.

Additionally Joe is survived by his brother, Jim, and his wife Judy Kortz of San Diego, Calif.; his brother-in-law, Steve, and his wife Sharon Claybourn of North Carolina; sister-in-law, Joanne Crouch, of California; brother-in-law, Harol,d and his wife Marcia Opdahl of Rochester; sister-in-law, Dorothy, and her husband Gene Evans of Clear Lake, Iowa; brothers-in-law: Dave Opdahl of Oregon and Bob and his wife Gail Opdahl of California. Joe is also survived by nieces and nephews and family friends: Steve Opp of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Neil Groth of Rochester and Robyn Weigel of Albert Lea.

Joe was preceded in death by his brother, Jack Kortz, of Arizona; brothers-in-law: Paul Opdahl of Scarville, Iowa, and Gary Kilborn of New York; parents-in-law: Harry and Asta Opdahl of Scarville, Iowa, and Wilfred and Myrle Claybourn of Albert Lea.

Joe enjoyed cars, fixing things, riding motor cycles, talking and listening to cop stories and most of all, being with his family. He will be greatly missed.

Memorials may be sent to Crossroads Community Hospice, which Joe so greatly appreciated.