John R. Fortner

John R. Fortner, 81, of Villa Ridge, MO passed away on May 28, 2024.

He was born in Kirkwood, MO on June 1, 1942, to Harvey Lee Fortner Sr. and Sophie Veronica Fortner (nee Roslawski). He received his education from Washington High School. John married Patricia Fortner (nee Tetrault) on November 16, 1963, at St. Francis Borgia Church in Washington, MO. The Rev. Jochem Manfred, OFM, officiated the ceremony. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary last fall.

John and Patricia have three children: Christine Seko (nee Fortner), Bonita Dauer (nee Fortner) and Thomas Fortner.

John worked at General Motors for over 40 years. After retirement, he spent many years volunteering for the St. Francis Borgia Food Pantry, Salvation Army and the Harvest Church. He spent his free time caring for his beautiful lawn, traveling and watching almost every new movie in the theater. He is remembered as a dedicated servant of his community, and as a loving husband, brother, father and grandfather.

John is preceded in death by his parents, Harvey Sr. and Sophie Fortner; and siblings Mary Psaris and Harvey Fortner Jr.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia, his children, Christine, Bonita (Daniel) and Thomas (Beth Adams), and grandchildren, Gregory, Elizabeth and Daniel Seko; Tristan (fiancee Madison Varble) and Drew Dauer; Thomas, Vincent and Anthony Fortner; his siblings, nieces, nephews, and many other relatives and friends.

A visitation will be held Tuesday, June 4 from 5-7 pm at Nieburg-Vitt, Miller Funeral Home in Washington, MO. Funeral mass is scheduled for Wednesday, June 5 at 10:30 am at St. John the Baptist Church in Villa Ridge, MO with Rev. Nicklaus Winker and Rev. Timothy Foy officiating.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Francis Borgia Food Pantry and St. John the Baptist Church.

The Fortner family is being served by Nieburg-Vitt, Miller Funeral Home.

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