Leo Wortman - 298th Engineer Combat Battalion, WWII, WW2

Leo B Wortman

Leo B. Wortman, 88, of Columbus, Nebraska died Friday, December 27, 2002 at the Columbus Community Hospital. Services at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church in Columbus on Monday, December 30, 2002 with Father Mark Bridgman. Interment at the Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell, Nebraska on Monday. Visitation Gass Haney Funeral Home. Leo Wortman was born December 14, 1914 in Grinnell, Iowa to Benjamin and Anna (Harter) Wortman. He graduated from Grinnell High School. Leo married Irene Hewitt on July 5, 1939 in Grinnell. He entered the US Army on August 2, 1943 and served in the 298th Combat Engineer Battalion. He participated in the invasion of Europe, including Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central Europe. He also participated in the Battle of the Bulge. He was decorated with three overseas service bars, the European African Middle Eastern Theater ribbon with one silver battle star, the good conduct medal and the World War 2 victory medal. He was honorably discharged on December 13, 1945 obtaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. For 36 years, Leo was a store manager for Montgomery Wards, with the last 16 years in Columbus. Leo enjoyed woodworking, specializing in making clocks. He also enjoyed playing Bridge, watching sports and taking pictures. Leo is survived by:
Wife - Irene E. Wortman - Columbus, NE
Son - Bruce (Belinda) Wortman - Bellwood, NE
Grandson - Christopher Wortman
Grandson - Eddie Wortman
Leo was preceded in death by:
Father - Benjamin Wortman
Mother - Anna (Harter) Wortman
Brother - Wilbur Wortman
Sister - Lena Simpson
Born: Friday, December 14, 1914, Grinnell, Iowa
Died: Friday, December 27, 2002, Columbus, Nebraska
Casket Bearers: American Veterans Motorcycle Club
Interment: Fort McPherson National Cemetery, Monday, December 30, 2002, Maxwell, Nebraska
Military Honors: North Platte Veterans Honor Guard
Source: Gass Haney Funeral Home (Page is no longer active)

Find a Grave
Leo B. Wortman
BIRTH 14 Dec 1914, Poweshiek County, Iowa
DEATH 27 Dec 2002 (aged 88), Columbus, Platte County, Nebraska
Burial: Fort McPherson National Cemetery
Maxwell, Lincoln County, Nebraska
PLOT Section P, Site 217
MEMORIAL ID 2314849

Source: Niles Public Library document that includes Veterans History Project Transcript of Max Kolpas and Omaha Beach to Saint Marie du Mont (bio of Bruce Montgomery Robertson) combined into one Adobe.pdf document.
[excerpt]
My deepest appreciation goes to the following individuals whose contributions made this story possible: Wilfred Beaudry, Margaret Bellinger (widow of Dwayne Bellinger), Albert A. DiGiovani, Al Brogna, Jim Crotty, Edward W. Franckowiak, Ralph Ginger, Don Hill, Frank Hollis, Arthur Hrabec, Max Kolpas, Burton LaBoe, Kenneth A. Lang, Creighton Lawson, Drexell E. Meyer, Tom Moscovic, Arnold Payne, Bob Ruach (son of Herb Rauch), Paul Scheiderhan, Milton Stover, Jessie Toepfer (widow of Charles J. Toepfer), Leo B. Wortman, Lucille Whiteturkey (widow of Ray Whiteturkey), Janet Wright (daughter of Robert Francis, and Bruce M. Robertson.
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