Robert Elton Wortman

Robert Elton Wortman, 89, of Wood River died Friday, January 25, 2013 at Good Samaritan Society Nursing Home in Wood River. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 am on Friday, February 1, 2013 at St. Marys Catholic Church in Wood River. Visitation will be on Thursday evening from 5 to 7 pm at St. Marys Catholic Church with a 7 pm Rosary Service. Apfel Funeral Home of Wood River is caring for the family. Robert Elton Wortman was born August 18, 1923 at the family farm northeast of Doniphan to John and Clara Wortman. The family moved to a farm north of Wood River in 1928. He attended Hall County District #16 through the eighth grade. He graduated from Wood River High School in 1940. He helped his Father and brothers farm until 1944 when he enlisted in the United States Navy and completed Basic Training at Great Lakes Naval Base. He was sent to Norman, Oklahoma where he received training at the Naval Ordinance School. He was married to Mary Wetterer on June 9, 1945 at the Chapel on the base. In August of 1945, he was sent to Alameda Air Base at Alameda, California, where he remained until he was honorably discharged in April of 1946. Robert and Mary bought an acreage in Cameron Township where they lived for 61 years and raised their family. He worked at the Cornhusker Ordnance Plant, Cornhusker Warehouses, Hastings Naval Depot, and Veterans Administration Medical Center from 1948 to 1980. Robert was a frequent blood donor, having donated 24 gallons of blood. He enjoyed going to sales. Robert was an avid collector of coins, tokens, antiques, yardsticks and many other treasures. Robert is survived by his wife of 67 years; 11 children and spouses: Robert and Marcia, Curtis; Jim and Kay, Scottsdale, Arizona; Tom, Columbus; Jerry and Terina, Arcadia; Leo and Kathy, Wood River; Jeannette and Don Doremus and Betty Ohlman, Grand Island; Pat and Pam Rosendale, Missouri; David and Janet, Grand Island; Charles and Lori, Ogallala; and Susan and Roger Halleran, Waltonville, Illinois; 20 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; a sister-in-law, Billy Wetterer of Wood River; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a son, Steven; his parents; a sister, Kathleen Wortman; and four brothers, Joe, Leo, Clement, and Wayne Wortman. Memorials are suggested to the American Red Cross, March of Dimes or Mass Offerings. Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.apfelfuneralhome.com