Robert Edward Portz was born April 19, 1932, on a rural farm near Juniata, to Edward and Loretta (Hoffman) Portz and passed away Dec. 29, 2024, at the age of 92.
As a young man, Robert attended and graduated from Roseland High School. Shortly after high school, Robert enlisted in the U.S. Army. He was on active duty from 1952-1954 and served during the Korean Conflict. After serving in the Army, Robert attended Nebraska Vocational Technical School in Milford and graduated in 1959 with a degree in Electronics Technology.
On Aug. 4, 1956, Robert married Deanna Mae Scott at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Roseland. From this union, five children were born: Lori, Mary, Mark, James, and Robert. Robert and Deanna raised their family in Milford. He worked, owned and operated the LEUCK Radio Supply in Lincoln for 40-plus years.
Robert loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter, fisherman and husker fan. He was active with the American Legion Post 171 and a parishioner of St. Vincent de Paul for more than 60 years.
He is survived by his wife, Deanna; children and spouses Lori (Jack) Spence, Las Cruces, New Mexico, Mary (Christopher) Beardslee, Lincoln, Mark (Debra) Portz, Lincoln, James Portz; Lincoln, and Robert (Raylene) Portz, Lincoln; 10 grandchildren: Rachel (Glyn Staples) Glenn, Barcelona, Spain; Ryan Glenn, Austin, Texas, Benjamin Beardslee, Omaha, Jarrod Beardslee, Lincoln, Patrick (Anastacia) Beardslee, Longmont, Colorado, Justin Beardslee, Lincoln, Nathan Portz, Papillion, Brennan (Riley) Portz, Omaha, Evan Portz, Omaha, and Nikole Portz, Smithville, Missouri.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Loretta Portz; siblings, Kenneth Portz, Antoinette Billesbach, Richard Portz (his twin), Jack Portz, Elaine Kral and William Portz.
Visitation will be Thursday, Jan. 2, from 3 – 7 p.m. with family greeting relatives and friends from 4 – 7 p.m. at the Lauber Funeral Home chapel in Milford. The Funeral Mass will be Friday, Jan. 3, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Seward. Interment will follow at the Blue Mound Cemetery in Milford. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church – SVDP Society.
Arrangements by Lauber Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
