Donald H. Portz, 91, of Blue Springs, MO, after living with Alzheimer’s disease for a few years, passed away peacefully, Sunday, April 23rd, 2023. Donald was born in Holstein, NE, son of Joseph A. and Leva M. (Horton) Portz.
A couple years after graduating from high school, Don joined the Navy, serving from 1951-1955. He saw duty during the Korean War aboard a submarine, the U.S.S. Charr, SS 328. He was an electrician’s mate, Petty Officer Second Class, and often told stories of sleeping beneath a torpedo in the aft torpedo room.
After the Navy, Don graduated from the University of Nebraska, graduating on a Friday and then getting hired on that Monday with Sears, Roebuck and Co. where he was a credit manager, retiring from the Kansas City, MO office after 34 years. Don was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the American Legion and the Men’s Group at St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church. He also took care of the grounds at St. Robert’s for 25 years while also serving up many pancake breakfasts and fish fries. He also enjoyed plate collecting, stamp collecting, golf, puzzles and walking.
Don married Joyce Kamens in 1968, they were married for 55 years.
In addition to his parents, Donald was preceded in death by his brothers, Harry, Jerome and Gus. He is survived by his wife, Joyce Portz of Blue Springs; son, Michael Portz and wife Candy of Blue Springs; daughter, Maria Brenizer and husband Matt of Raymore; grandchildren, Collin Portz and wife Addy, Trevor Portz, Hudson Portz, Benjamin Brenizer, Rebekah Brenizer; brothers, Leonard and Charles and sister, Eileen (Don Mousel) and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 28, 2023 at St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church, 4313 RT-7 Blue Springs, MO. His family will receive friends and family from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. prior to the start of mass. A committal service with full military honors will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, May 1, 2023 at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Association www.alz.org Arrangements have been entrusted to Meyers Funeral Chapel in Blue Springs. Memories of Donald and words of comfort for his family may be shared at meyersfuneralchapel.com
“TO HONOR A VETERAN”
I want to thank you Donald for serving our country. Because of your service you have given each and every one of us our freedom .
God bless you Donald for taking great care of our country and for all the sacrifices you have made for our country for me and for all of us.
LINDA PETERSON
WIFE OF A (DECEASED) UNITED STATES ARMY VETERAN
I always enjoyed treating Don and his family. They became friends as well as patients. Unfortunately, I will not be attending the funeral as I will be in Chicago visiting my family. I will miss seeing all of you. May he rest in peace
Seems like it was just yesterday and we have gathered the “Portz” brothers and families for some kind of gathering – was always so good to see Uncle Don, and his smile along with his soft spoken way, Aunt Joyce and the kids and now adults with families upon family. No matter they all and you all will remain in my heart sending heartfelt sympathy and most of all love sent to all thru this difficult time and journey ! My deepest regrets for being able to not attend and pay my respects but please know you are in my thoughts and prayers . Love to all!
I knew Don as a loving husband to my friend Joyce and as a loving father to his two children, Maria and Michael. You will be missed.
I too Thank Don for his service to our country.
I have fond memories of Don and Joyce as neighbors and Mike and Maria as they grew up. He was a very kind, hard working man and tried very diligently to relocate dozens of squirrels from our neighborhood to Burr Oak Woods. He will be missed by many.
So sorry for your loss. We enjoyed all the brothers and sister at the Portz family reunions.
Aqua Bob and Penny
Our sincere sympathy to all of you. We are sorry for your loss. Bob and Sharon Antes and family.