Joseph Bernard Fortman Jr.'s Obituary
Joseph Bernard Fortman Jr., 79 years of Waterloo, IL, passed away on February 19, 2025 at his residence. He was born May 25, 1945, in East St. Louis, IL.
Joe proudly served his country in the US Army during Vietnam and was stationed at Fort Bragg. He was proud to serve in the 82nd Airborne and 101st Airborne as a paratrooper with 287 jumps. Joe was a member of the Waterloo VFW Post 6504. He owned Fortman's Welding & Fabrication. Joe loved his McDonalds coffee time with the locals and enjoyed watching war movies. Joe was most proud of being a grandpa to his 6 grandchildren.
Surviving are his Wife, Ida Maude Fortman; Daughters, Samantha (Brian) Kluemke, Joey (Matt) Nahigian and Carrie (Ryan) Trepka; Grandchildren, Dylan Fortman, Logan Kluemke, Gavan Kluemke, Boston Nahigian, Hudson Nahigian and Jersey Trepka; Sister, Margie Merhertens; Brother, Paul Fortman; Sisters-in-Law, Mary Jane Butler and Jeannie Pinkston; Brother-in-Law, Bobby Woodring; several nieces and nephews; along with other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his Parents, Joseph and Mae Fortman Sr.; Brother, Mike Fortman; Sister, Christine Keyhole; Father-in-Law, Ode Woodring and Mother-in-Law, Hattie Belle (Johnson) Woodring.
Visitation will be Thursday, February 27, 2025, 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm, at Leesman Funeral Home, Columbia, IL. Services will be held Friday, February 28, 2025 at 11:00 am with visitation from 10:00 am - 11:00 am at Leesman Funeral Home, Columbia, IL. Interment will follow in the Kolmer Memorial Cemetery, Waterloo, IL.
In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be directed to Wounded Warrior Project 230 W. Monroe Street Ste:200, Chicago, IL 60606 .
For more information, please access our website, www.leesmanfuneralhome.com. Arrangements were handled by Leesman Funeral Home.
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