Obituary of Jean Emily Kortman

JEAN PIERCE KORTMAN Feb. 9, 1923 ~ April 25, 2015 Jean Pierce Kortman, 92, passed away April 25, 2015, in Vancouver, Wash. She was born Feb. 9, 1923, in Spokane, one of five children of George and Mabel Coffee. Jean married Russ Pierce in 1942, and was widowed in 1974. In 1981, she married Joe Kortman, and they were together until Joe's death in November 2014. Three things define Jean's life: family, food, and faith. Jean raised four boys, spent many years in food service, and was active in her church, particularly in the J.O.Y. Fellowship senior ministries. She loved preparing food for family gatherings, spent several years catering in Seattle and, after moving to Vancouver in 1962, became involved in high school food service. In 1973, she was appointed food services supervisor for the Vancouver School District. In that capacity, she was a member of state and national boards concerned with school lunch programs. Jean is survived by two sisters, Helen and Pat; four sons, Gary (Judy), Glen (Sue), Steve (Ruth), and Craig (Signe); two stepdaughters, Jo (Larry) and Heidi (Jim); former stepson-in-law, Paul (Linda); 17 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two siblings, Herb and Bill, and stepdaughter Julie. A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 9, at the Vancouver Church of God, 3300 N.E. 78th St., Vancouver, Wash. 98665, Room 120. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the senior ministries program at the Vancouver Church of God.