John Gortsema, 85

John Gortsema, 85, of Grangeville, passed away on March 8, 2007 at his Grangeville home.

John was born December 24, 1921 in Greencreek, Idaho to Jake and Minnie Gortsema. He was the oldest of six children. In 1927, they moved to the family ranch in the Tolo Lake area. He attended the Lake School.

In 1942 he joined the U.S. Army and served in the European Theatre. John returned to the Grangeville area in 1945 upon receiving his discharge.

John married Shirley Hayhurst in February 1946 in Grangeville. They had two children, Jim and Janet. In 1947 he took over the family ranch until 1960 when the ranch was sold and they moved to Grangeville, where his truck driving career began. He worked for Art Smith Logging and then Baker Truck Service until his retirement at age 70. He was proud of his record of driving 2,500,000 miles accident free.

John was also a lifelong member of the Grangeville Elks Lodge.

John is survived by his daughter, Janet Gortsema of Bliss, Idaho; sister Kobie Pils of Nampa, Idaho; brothers Marion and Bill Gortsema of White Bird; grandson Jason Gortsema; granddaughter Jennifer and great grandson James Lee Gortsema II, all of Grangeville; numerous nieces and nephews, and care-giver and good friend Deanne Clark and her family.

John was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Carl; one sister, Janette, and his son, Jim Gortsema.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, March 14, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. at Prairie View Cemetery in Grangeville with Pastor Harold Gott officiating.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Blackmer Funeral Home in Grangeville.

Condolences can be sent to the Gortsema family at Blackmerfuneralhome.com.