FAYETTEVILLE — Jerome Matthew Kortuem,

82, of Fayetteville, Ark., passed away Thursday, July 9, 2020, at Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville. He was born July 9, 1938, in Mankato, Minn., to Matthew and Helen Beihn Kortuem.

Cmdr. Kortuem had a very distinguished military career and earned numerous medals and awards including the Air Medal gold star, multiple Navy Commendation medals as well as the Navy Achievement Medal bronze star. Cmdr. Kortuem was one of a very select group that hunted and destroyed Vietnamese Surface-to-Air-Missiles putting himself in grave danger but undoubtedly saving many other pilots’ lives.

After his military service, Jerome focused on his sales career in lawn and construction equipment. Jerome’s passions after retiring were flying personal aircraft, studying his Bible, enjoying a good meal with family, friends and fellow veterans and most importantly spending time with his grandsons.

He was preceded in death by one brother, Pat Kortuem; one sister, Phyllis Kortuem; and Kristy’s mother, Ellayne Kortuem.

Survivors include one daughter, Kristy Hunter and husband Justin of Rogers, Ark.; two grandsons, Stevens and Stiles Hunter, both of Rogers; two brothers, Dick Kortuem of Winnebago, Minn., and Ray Kortuem of Two Harbors, Minn.; and one sister Dorothy Stoeber of Pipestone, Minn.

Graveside services with military honors will be Monday, July 20, 2020, at 10:30 a.m., at Fayetteville National Cemetery with Pastor Chris Miller officiating. No visitation is planned.

Online condolences may be left at www.siscofuneral. com.