Fred Fredrick Kortman, age 84, of Brimley, Michigan, died on January 13, 2024, at home surrounded by family. He was born in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, on October 16, 1939, to parents Paul and Laura (Gamlin) Kortman.
Fred grew up in the Sault Ste. Marie area. He married his childhood sweetheart, Dorothy Ann Zaldock, on October 29, 1960, at the Algonquin Methodist Church. The couple moved to Eaton Rapids, Michigan, in 1965 before finding a lifelong career with the Hoover manufacturing company in Charlotte, Michigan. After twenty-five years of work for Hoover, he began work at an Aerospace Manufacturer. He retired in 2004.
Fred was a member of the Moose Lodge in Lansing, Michigan, the Conservation Club in Eaton Rapids, and as well as a member at Fraternal Order of Eagles in Charlotte.
Fred enjoyed bowling for his local bowling leagues in Charlotte. He could spend hours in the great outdoors—hunting for deer, fishing, and bear hunting. Some of Fred’s favorite past times were spent camping with his grandkids and enjoying marshmallows over the campfire. He was a very talented woodworker and was often building things in his free time. He will be greatly missed.
Fred is survived by his wife, Dorothy; children, Larry Kortman and Robin Kortman; grandchild, Kodey Ridenour; brother, Gerald (Tina) Kortman; siblings-in-law, Larry Zaldock and Barbara Peace, many other relatives and dear friends, as well as his beloved dog Sugar.
Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Laura; parents-in-law, Samuel and Ada Zaldock; siblings, Laura (Glen) McArthur; Ervin (Dorothy) Kortman, Raymond Kortman and brother-in-law, Charles Peace.
A Memorial Service will be announced at a later date.
The final resting place will be at Hillcrest Cemetery in Brimley, Michigan.
Memorial Donations in Fred’s memory may be left to the Chippewa County Animal Shelter, 3660 S Mackinac Trail, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783.
The family would like to say thank you to all the staff at Medilodge for their wonderful care of Fred while he was there.
Family Life Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left to the family at www.galerfuneralhomes.com.
