Joseph David Bortz, 74

Joseph David Bortz, 74, passed away on Wednesday, March 23, 2011, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell.

He was born April 10, 1936, in Harrisburg, Pa., to Forrest and Pearl (Boyer) Bortz.

After a trip to Montana at age 16, Joe made the decision that after his military service he would make the state of Montana his home. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a bandsman in the Marine Band. After the service, Joe attended Montana State University and graduated with a bachelor's degree in education. Joe then taught at Bozeman Senior High School.

He met and married Sally Berg in 1962 and later had his son, Michael. They moved to Missoula in 1967 and he attended the University of Montana obtaining a Bachelor of Science, then Master of Science degree in forestry. Joe worked for the U.S. Forest Service for 14 years, in Missoula, Troy and West Yellowstone.

Joe met and married Matsu Hori in 1980 and his son, David was born. Joe quit working for the Forest Service to come to Kalispell to teach.

Joe was an accomplished musician and loved music deeply. He had mastered the trumpet and was very skilled in all the brass instruments. He belonged to many groups, including The Bavarian Echoes, Missoula Civic Symphony, Bend Oregon Orchestra, Kalispell City Band and Glacier Symphony. Joe was an avid marksman and competed in the International Practical Shooting Confederation. He loved hunting and being in the outdoors.

Joe is survived by his wife, Matsu; son, Michael of Missoula; son, David and wife, Christy, of Vernal, Utah; three grandchildren, Stephanie and husband, Chad, Zoey and Hailee.

Private family services are planned for a later date.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Joe's family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Joe's tribute wall.