Paulene B. Bortz

Paulene B. Bortz, age 87 of Rio, passed away Monday, January 8, 2018 at Divine Savior Hospital in Portage.

She was born June 26, 1930 in Boscobel to Calvin and Laura (McKnight) Drake. She attended and graduated from Boscobel High School in 1948. Paulene was united in marriage to Howard H. Bortz November 16, 1952. Paulene started her working career at the Super Ice Cream Shop in Portage for her sister Hazel and brother-in-law Harvey. She also had worked for JC Penny Department Store in Portage and the Willow Mill Campground in Rio. Paulene was an avid gardener, loved feeding the birds and enjoyed spending time with the many campers of Willow Mill Campground, where her and Howard had lived for over 40 years. They were blessed with four children; Dennis, Weston, Lori, and Amy. Paulene was an active member of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Pardeeville for many year.

Survivors include her children Weston (Lola) Bortz, of Rio, Lori (Mark) Tonn, of Beaver Dam, and Amy Wescott (John Kochum) of Rio, nine grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Howard, son Dennis Lee Bortz, great grandson Axton Lee Smith, seven siblings Mildred Parrish, Hazel Pedersen, Helen Miller, Clyde Drake, Zelma Mattke, Evalene Rigg, and Lila Steiner.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 13 at 11 AM at St. John Lutheran Church in Pardeeville with Rev. William Runke officiating. Interment will follow at Marcellon Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9 AM until the time of services at the church.

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