Submited by: Dan Rich

Richard F. Cortier

Jan. 11, 1922 - May 29, 2006

South Bend Tribune 5/31/2006

Richard F. Cortier, 84, of New Carlisle, Indiana, passed away of natural causes in his home surrounded by his loving family, on Monday, May 29, 2006. Richard was born on January 11, 1922, in Mishawaka, Indiana, to the late Alphonse and Helen (Zdankus) Cortier. He lived in this area for most of his life, leaving only to serve his country in World War II.

On August 19, 1944, at the Army Air Force Base Chapel in Reno, Nevada, he married Wanda Utterback, who survives. Along with his wife of 61 years, he is survived by his son, William (Claudine) Cortier of Bristol, Indiana; his daughters, Chris Cortier, and Carol Whiteman, both of New Carlisle and Denise Warner of Venice, Florida, (he was preceded in death by his faithful dog, Gabby); eight grandchildren, Melanie (Christopher Orr) Cortier, Christopher Cortier, Holli Hixenbaugh, Valerie Cortier, Josilyn Hixenbaugh, Zacchary Hixenbaugh, Danielle Cortier and Ian Whiteman; a great-granddaughter, Kharina Matthews; and by his sister, Patricia DeLaurelle of Mishawaka. Along with his parents and dog, he was preceded in death by his brother, George Cortier.

Mr. Cortier graduated from New Carlisle High School in 1940, where he was on the track and basketball teams and was a member of the band. He played in several bands, including the Studebaker Band. He took a mechanical drawing course at the University of Notre Dame, as a part of his apprenticeship as a Tool and Die Maker. Mr. Cortier worked for Raco, as a Tool and Die Maker, for 46 years, before retiring in 1984. He was also a farmer for most of his life. Richard was a United States Veteran, where he was a Sergeant with the 565th Army Air Force in World War II, serving in the Asian Pacific. He was an administrative non-commissioned officer. Richard was a member of the American Legion Post #297, a lifetime member of the D.A.V. Chapter #19, President and District Offer of I.U.E. #913, Farm Bureau, an Officer of Woodmen of the World #6001, and a parishioner of St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church, Terre Coupee. He was involved in getting pledges for the building of St. Joseph High School and Holy Family School, had a concession stand at the South Bend Motor Speedway for 9 years and served as an Usher at Notre Dame football games.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was very proud of his four children who graduated from Purdue University and of all of their accomplishments. Richard loved the outdoors and working back in his woods. Of everything in his "kingdom" the 24 acres of woods were most dear to his heart. He enjoyed playing horseshoes and was a great polka dancer.

Visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 31, 2006, in the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, where a rosary will be recited at 7:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 1, 2006, in St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church, Terre Coupee, with burial to follow at New Carlisle Cemetery. The American Legion Post #297 Honor Guard will perform military honors at the grave. Memorial contributions may be made to The Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637 or to the Memorial Hospital Health Foundation, 610 North Michigan Ave. Suite #300, South Bend, IN 46601.