IRENE LAVERNA BORTZ

1931-2017

Irene Laverna Bortz died on Friday, September 8, 2017, at the age of 85 years. She was born in Caldwell, Texas to Clemens and Emma Bredthauer. Irene moved to Houston where she married Awald A. Bortz Jr. She loved to travel and this included her trips to many places in the U.S. and around the world. Irene was a devoted member of Zion Lutheran Church, where she proudly served as a teacher for Zion Lutheran Preschool and Zion Sunday School, a Deacon, a member of WELCA and Choir. Irene is reunited with her parents, four brothers and two sisters. She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Awald A. Bortz Jr. her two daughters, Janice Wietstruck (Jim) and Brenda Koh (Christopher); two sons, Craig Bortz (Stephanie) and Chris Bortz (Jennifer), six grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives and dear friends.

Visitation with Irene will be On Monday, September 11, 2017 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at Pat H. Foley & Company, 1200 West 34th St. Houston, Texas 77018. A celebration of her life will be held at Zion Lutheran Church, 3606 Beauchamp Houston, Texas 77008 on Tuesday, September 12, 2017 at 10:00 am. Irene will be laid to rest at Earthman Resthaven Cemetery, 13102 North Freeway Houston, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Zion Lutheran Church Houston, Alzheimer’s Association of Houston, and Silverado Hospice of Houston.