Floyd J. Wortinger

Floyd J. "Bud" Wortinger, 85, of Goshen, died Sunday evening, May 22, 2011, at his home after several battles with cancer. The son of Floyd Quinn and Belle (Dunham) Wortinger, he was born on August 12, 1925 and raised in Goshen. On March 24, 1946 he married Mabel L. Detwiler in Goshen. She survives. Also surviving are their three children, Teri (Mike) Botwinski of Bristol, Pat (Patrick) O'Brien of Indianapolis, and Chuck (Sheryl) Wortinger of Elkhart; grandchildren, Lisa (Jim) Honey, Mark (Kelly) Kramer, Jason (Justina) Kramer, Corey (Krystal) Wortinger, Megan (Brendan) O'Brien-Ewald, Kyle O'Brien, Dawn (Rob) Fisher, Troy (Kathy) Carson, Terra (Ryan) Bentley, Ray Wortinger, Adam (Rachael) Wortinger and Ben, Mike and Christopher Botwinski; great-grandchildren, Jacob and Joel Honey, Travis, Lucy, Abby and Ella Kramer, Brook Miller, Owen and Eli Wortinger, Drake, Kinsey and Landon Fisher, Payton and Kyle Carson, Reece, Ella and Haden Bentley, and William Botwinski all of whom were a great joy to him. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Adelia Mae Yoder, Mildred DeWitt and Edna Jean Craig. He attended Goshen High School before serving his country proudly in the Navy during WWII, mostly in the South Pacific. He was a member of Jefferson Brethren Church and the William A. Books VFW Post 985, Goshen, and several golf clubs. His career was with the Goshen Fire Department for 23 years retiring as Assistant Chief. He was also a carpenter working with his father-in-law, Ellis E. Detwiller. They built the house where he and Mabel spent their entire married life. After his early retirement due to health problems, he and Mabel spent 32 years wintering in Vero Beach, Florida, where the L. A. Dodgers held spring training and became one of their greatest fans. He had front row season tickets and got to know many players, coaches and managers which is how he accumulated a vast and enviable collection of hundreds of autographed balls, bats, pictures and great memories. Along with playing baseball as a young man he also enjoyed fishing and golfing with family and friends. He was extremely proud of his entire family and it was a special joy when his grandson, Corey Wortinger, followed in his footsteps as a Goshen Fireman. Friends may call 2-4 and 6- 8 p.m. Thursday, May 26, at the funeral home. A 10 a.m., Friday, May 27, 2011, funeral service will be conducted at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home. Pastor Ron Spyker of Jefferson Brethren Church will officiate. Burial will follow at Violett Cemetery, Goshen. Memorial contribution may be made to Jefferson Brethren Church or Goshen Home Care and Hospice.