Junior Leroy "Knute" Wortinger

Junior LeRoy “Knute” Wortinger, 87, of Goshen, died Sunday, November 21, 2010,  at St. Joseph Medical Center, Mishawaka. He was born in Benton, on April 17, 1923, to Roy Omar and Katherine Bernice (Alwine) Wortinger.  He married Arlios Mae Bleile on September 7, 1942 in Goshen.  She preceded him in death on November 16, 2001. Survivors include a daughter, Paula (Mike) McKee of Goshen; two sons, Larry (Zoe Ann) Wortinger of Tellico Plains, Tennessee, and Charles (Bonnie) Wortinger of Goshen; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; and a sister, Jeannette Peartree of Ypsalanti, Michigan. He was preceded in death by a sister, Lillian Disher. A Goshen resident since 1953, Mr. Wortinger worked for the City of Goshen at the waste water treatment plant, retiring, after 30 years, as superintendent, in 1985. A 1941 graduate of Millersburg High School, he served in the army during World War II as a paratrooper and combat engineer from 1943 to 1945.  He was stationed 36 months in the European front, earning an ETO ribbon with five battle stars, a Good Conduct Medal and a Distinguished Unit Citation. He was a member of the Goshen DAV and a life member of the Goshen VFW Post #985.  He was a former member of the Goshen Moose Lodge and the Millersburg American Legion #484. He enjoyed fishing, mushroom hunting and camping with his sons and grandchildren.  He was a long time volunteer at The Window in Goshen. Friends may call 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, November 26, 2010, at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home. An 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 27, 2010, military graveside service will be conducted at Oakridge Cemetery, Goshen.  VFW Chaplain John Piecuch will officiate. Memorial contributions may be given to The Window.