John L. Portrey, 87, of Meridian, Idaho, formerly of Falls City, passed away Oct. 24, 2017, after a long illness. He was born Sept. 23, 1930, son of Charles and Rose Portrey of Falls City and Dawson.
John was baptized at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Arago, Nebraska, by Father Egan. In later years, he was an altar server for Fr. Egan. John attended Dist. 30 country school, and graduated from the 8th grade. He worked for his aunt and uncle, Art and Cecelia Fehr for many years, until he was drafted to serve his country in 1951, in the Korean War. He served in the Army for 11 years, and was honorably discharged. While he was stationed in Fort Carson, CO, he met his future wife Judy. They moved to Edgewater, CO, where he worked in construction. They later moved to Meridian, Idaho, were he purchased an acreage and bought a couple of horses. He loved horses from childhood. He loved going to rodeos. He was also an excellent gardener and maintained a large garden for many years.
He is survived by his wife, Judy, son Johnnie and daughter Cathy. A daughter Teddy preceded him in death in 2013. He is also survived by three sisters, Barbara Shields of St. Paul, MN, Helen Fox of Wheatridge, CO, Clara (Ralph) Stutheit of Humboldt, and a brother Leon (Kathy) Portrey of Glenwood, IA, several nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Mary Moore and Rosie Weddle, a brother Lawrence Portrey and his wife Carol, and brother-in-law Earl Fox.
Services will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dawson, Nebraska at 10:30 April 11, 2018, with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Dawson.
