Otho Kortz Obituary

Kortz Jr, Otho T.

Otho T. Kortz Jr., age 97, at rest December 24, 2025. Beloved husband of the late Billie Kortz, nee Smith; Loving father of Jeff (Laura) and the late Lee Ann Kortz; Loving Pops of Brittany (Dan) LaBerry, Matthew Huttner and Kara Huttner; Dear son of the late Otho Sr. and the late Francis Kortz; Dearest brother of the late Tom (late Arlene) Kortz; Fond uncle of the late Gary and the late Diane Kortz; Preceded in death by his beloved dogs Toby, Tina, Olivia, Belle and Duke. Loving companion of Bean. Otho was a proud graduate of Parker High School in 1946 and The University of Mississippi "Ole Miss" where he played baseball from 1947-1951, he was a 4 year Letterman and M Club member. He signed to play with the Chicago White Sox minor league system in 1951 then continued on to play with the Cincinatti Reds minor league system in 1953, playing 3rd Base and Shortstop. He was a cattle salesman at the Chicago Union Stockyard's and later the Joliet Stockyard's and also worked at Swissland Veal Company; He was head of janitorial services at the Cook County Bridgeview Courthouse. Longtime Big Ten Official from 1969-1986 and IHSA Official for Baseball, Basketball and Football from 1955-1986. He officiated High School Basketball State Series in 1970, 1971 and 1972. Proudly inducted into the Hall of Fame for the Illinois High School Association in 2008, Athletic Officials Association in 2008 where he was President of Basketball and Vice President of Football, Central Officials Association in 2009, Chicago Public Schools in 1990, Illinois Basketball Coaches Association in 1990 and the Chicago Catholic League in 2007. He was the Abe Glick Award Winner in 1974. He proudly officiated the 1978 Rose Bowl, 1976 Fiesta Bowl, 1985 Liberty Bowl, 1967 Pan American Games and countless High School Shriner's games. Biggest fan of the New York Yankees, Ole Miss Rebels, Chicago Bears and the Richards Bulldogs. Visitation, Friday, January 2nd from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m.; Funeral Saturday, January 3rd Chapel Service 11:00 a.m. at Curley Funeral Home, 6116 W. 111th Street, Chicago Ridge; Interment Oak Hill Cemetery; In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to PAWS Chicago, www.pawschicago.org or the Alzheimer's Association, www.alz.org; For Funeral info: 708-422-2700 or www.curleyfuneralhome.com.

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