Jerry Bortel
November 16, 1929 — January 13, 2013
SMSgt Jerry Bortel, USAF (Ret), passed away January 13, 2013 at home, according to his wishes, after a year with many complicated diagnoses and numerous hospitalizations . Jerry was born November 16, 1929 in Shiner, Texas to Vincent and Julia (Hajek) Bortel. He joined the Army Air Corps in 1947, which later became the US Air Force. December of 1954 he married Roberta Keller and together they raised a family all over the world including, Guam, Germany, New Mexico, Utah, South Carolina, California and two tours to Vietnam to name a few. Jerry worked on bombers as an aircraft mechanic in the US Air Force. He retired from the US Air Force after 26 years with numerous awards including, the Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars and the Air Force Longevity Service Award with five Oak Leaf Clusters. Jerry was not stationed in the San Antonio area, but got here as fast as he could. The US Air Force sent him to a program for veterans that certified him as an air condition and refrigeration technician for Sears. Although he was a specialized technician, he worked on anything that came in the shop, especially if a friend brought it in. Jerry retired from Sears after 23 years. Jerry was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus Good Shepherd Council 6356 and Mother Teresa Assembly 2523. He held positions at the state and local level. He was a bingo team captain, bar team captain, week end duty officer and the Hall Manager. His work with the Knights took him all over Texas attending conventions, bowling tournaments, building youth groups and doing service projects. Jerrys service has included building a room addition for a family in need, painting houses, picking up trash on the side of the road, and putting together food baskets to distribute to families at the holidays. Jerry was also involved with the Church. He teamed on some of the first mens ACTS retreats at OLPH and served as an usher. He continued to serve as an usher and Eucharistic Adorer at Good Shepherd until his health made it difficult to continue. From 1976-1976 and 1982-1986 Jerry served as Commissioner on the Housing Authority for the City of Schertz. He campaigned for friends running for local office. He helped build the Schertz Library Playscape. Recreation time was spent camping and fishing with the family and bowling in several leagues in his earlier years. He also watched his children play baseball, softball and football. He admired the sights of Europe, Asia and the US through his travels. During his daily routine, he was usually at the Knights of Columbus Hall working or playing dominoes with his friends. He enjoyed cheering for the San Antonio Spurs and Houston Texans each time they played. Jerry is survived by his children- Deborah Crosby (Francis) of Colorado Springs, CO; Donald Bortel (Cindy Avila) of Novato, CA; Donna Coronado (Rolando) of Schertz, TX; and David Bortel (Suzanne) of Stockdale, TX; Grandchildren- Heather Graf (Nathaniel), Melissa Crosby, Charles Coronado (Harmony), Christopher Coronado, Chelsea Coronado, Chloe Coronado, Jessica Lessard (Jesse), Kayla Bortel, Alexander Bortel, Zachary Bortel, Laura Bortel, Michael Bortel, Victoria Bortel, Shane Bortel, Catrina Bortel, Elijah Bortel, Patrick Bortel, Naomi Bortel; Great-Grandchildren " Spencer Graf, Trenton Graf and Xan Coronado; Sibling " Evelyn Hall. He is preceded in death by parents- Vincent and Julia (Hajek)Bortel; Wife " Roberta (Keller) Bortel; Son " Ronald Bortel; Siblings " Edwin Bortel, Leona Ressman, and Agnes Zella. Visitation will be held Sunday, January 20, 2012 from 5:00 pm " 8:00 pm with Rosary at 7:00 pm at Good Shepherd Catholic Church. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday, January 21, 2012 at 10:00 am at Good Shepherd Catholic Church with a meal immediately following at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 509 Schertz Parkway. Interment at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery will be at 2:30pm on Thursday, January 24, 2012 with full military honors. Donations may be made to the charity of your choice in Jerrys name instead of flowers.
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