Gene A. Bortner

Gene A. Bortner, age 94, of McCook passed away at Great Plains Health in North Platte, Nebraska on August 16, 2019. He was born in McCook, Nebraska on June 20, 1925 to William and Dorothy (Traphagan) Bortner. On June 18, 1949 he was united in marriage to Gernadine Helen Schlegel in Hastings, Nebraska. She preceded him in death on March 18, 2008. Gene farmed and ranched on the Bortner Ranch northwest of McCook. When the Red Willow dam was built, Gene and Gernadine moved the majority of their farm and ranch northeast of McCook near the Box Elder area. Gene loved his family, cattle, and the farm. He enjoyed going to cattle sales to visit with friends and neighbors and to keep up on the markets. Gene was a member of the Elks Lodge, Eagles Club, and the Memorial United Methodist Church of McCook. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Gernadine; nephew, Doug Schlegel; and brother-in-law, Darold Schlegel. Gene is survived by his three sons: Bill and wife, Carrol Bortner, Robert and wife, Barbara Bortner; Ben and wife, Ginny Bortner all of McCook, Nebraska; 11 grandchildren; 32 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren: Bonnie (Doug) Terry, Justin (wife Kiah and children Kyro and Kaslyn), Coy, Abbee and Quentin; Bret (Bobbi) Bortner, Cash (Megan), Corinne and Caden; Becky (Eric) McIntosh, Max and Cooper; Brenda (Brad) Whitten, Callie, Adelyn and Berkley; Amy (Nick) Brown, Ellie, Austin, Grace, Ashton and Madison; Heath (Jessica) Bortner and Charlie; Luke (Karen) Bortner, Layten, Paige and Charlotte; Lori (Patrick) Harding, Declan, Shanlie, Gannon and Aidan; Jill (Carl) Koenig, Becca, Addison, Lance and Katelyn; Wayne (Lisa) Bortner, Kyler, Riley and Zoey; and Blaine Bortner; sister-in-law Marjorie Schlegel; two nephews and a niece; and his uncle, Gerald E. (Red) Traphagan. Visitation will be held on Monday, August 19, 2019 from noon till 7:00 PM at the Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel. Friends may leave on-line condolences at herrmannfh.com. Funeral services will be held at the Memorial United Methodist Church in McCook, Nebraska at 10:30 AM, Tuesday, August 20, 2019 with Pastor Jeff Kelley officiating. Interment will be in the Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials may be left in Genes name at the Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel. Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel entrusted with arrangements. Visitation Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel Monday, August 19, 2019 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM 607 Norris Avenue McCook, Nebraska 69001 Funeral Service Memorial United Methodist Church Tuesday, August 20, 2019 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM 105 East E Street McCook, Nebraska 69001