SHIRLEY JANE KORTZ, 78, of East Grand Rapids, passed peacefully surrounded by her family on Friday, August 12, 2022.  Shirley's life ended at Blodgett/Specialty's Long-Term Acute Care Hospital, despite the heroic efforts of Doctor Sal Dyke, SuperNurse Gia, and the rest of the remarkable and caring staff of that facility.

Shirley was the daughter of Wilford and June Cothran, and loving sister of Carole Cothran and Sandy LaFave.  She attended Grandville High School, where she graduated as the class Valedictorian in 1962 (even after humbly trying to offer it up to another classmate).

A short two years after graduating Grandville High School, she was introduced to Gary Kortz for a blind date at a Peter, Paul, and Mary concert at the Welsh Auditorium in downtown Grand Rapids, on March 11, 1964.  A brief flicker of romance ended when Shirley unceremoniously dumped Gary in favor of somebody else.  Fortunately, Shirley decided Gary might be worth spending some time with, and came back to him sometime in June 1964.   Gary and Shirley were married on August 14, 1964, and the rest, as they say, is history, as Gary didn't want her to go away again.  "Hello Dolly" by Louis Armstrong became their Song of the Year in 1964.  Lyrics include "Hello Dolly, it's so nice to have you back where you belong"….

Shirley was a loving mother to their two beautiful children, Kristine Lynn Kortz and David Garret Kortz.  Shirley and Kris took on life together and were nearly inseparable.  While raising her children, she worked for 10 years as a volunteer secretary at the school that their children attended, Saint Paul the Apostle.

After her dedicated time at Saint Paul the Apostle School, Shirley and her husband Gary started their family company, Krispak Inc., in 1991.  Shirley was a principal financial player for all 31 years of her corporate life.  Largely due to Shirley's tireless efforts, Krispak became a well-respected and trusted provider of contract packaging services to several companies, including some Fortune 500 members.

Those who have been blessed in knowing her can attest to Shirley's selflessness, humility, and hardworking spirit. She will continue to inspire and serve as a legendary role model to all.

Shirley is lovingly missed by many, including husband Gary Kortz, children Kristine and David (Jeanne) Kortz, and her grandchildren Kaleen, Will, and Benjamin Kortz.

Visitation: 6:00 – 8:00 pm on Friday, August 19 ^th at Zaagman Memorial Chapel, 2800 Burton St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546.

Visitation: 10:00 – 11:00 am on Saturday, August 20 ^th at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 2750 Burton St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546.

Funeral: 11:00 am on Saturday, August 20 ^th at Saint Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 2750 Burton St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546.

Memorial Contributions can be made to St. Paul the Apostle School "Friends of St. Paul".