James R. “Jim” Bortz  1937-2013
CLAFLIN — James R. “Jim” Bortz, 75, died Aug. 20, 2013 at his home in Claflin. He was born Dec. 13, 1937 at rural Claflin, the son of Walter and Nellie (Stevenson) Bortz.
Mr. Bortz was a graduate of Claflin High School. He married Darlene Munsch Leiker July 9, 1994.  
He worked for DS&W for forty-five years as the #1 backhoe operator and was a lifelong Claflin, Kansas resident.
He was raised in the Methodist church. He enjoyed woodworking, tinkering with cars, deep sea fishing, making homemade ice cream and chocolate.
Survivors include wife Darlene Bortz of the home; five sons, Kevin Leiker and his wife Janice of Beaver, and Kory Leiker and his wife Casey of Newton, Iowa, Gregg Bortz of Wichita, Eric Bortz and his wife Shannon of Raleigh, N.C., Aaron Bortz and his wife Elise of Raleigh, N.C.; three daughters, Rene’ Doherty and husband Jim of Salina, Raelyn Warren of Great Bend,  Wendy Nairn and her husband Mike of Great Bend; one sister, Nancy Stevens of Highlands Ranch, Colo.; and 16 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sons, Lee Bortz and Barry Bortz; and one granddaughter, Kerra Fritschen.
Funeral Service will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home with The Reverend Gene Langhofer, officiating. Interment will be at Claflin Cemetery. Visitation is from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., with the family receiving friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to Golden Belt Home Health and Hospice or St. Rose Foundation for the benefit Heartland Cancer Center, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home*
415 N. Main
Hoisington, Kansas  67544
Great Bend (Kan) Tribune, Aug. 21, 2013