James Nick Portz

Jim Portz, age 87, died peacefully on Friday, May 9.

Funeral will be on Saturday, May 17, 11:00 a.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in North Mankato, MN. Visitation will begin two hours prior, starting at 9:00 a.m. A luncheon reception will follow immediately after the funeral, with burial at Calvary Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. Northview-North Mankato Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.

Jim was born to Raymond and Clarinda (Haupert) Portz on November 29, 1937 near Granville, IA. Following graduation from Paulina High School in 1956, he joined the US Army. He was stationed in Okinawa, Japan for 13 months. After returning home, he attended Mankato Vocational School to study auto mechanics. He began working as a mechanic for Murphy Motor Freight and later delivered local freight. He concluded his 30 years in the freight business driving for Yellow Freight and retired in 1999.

Jim married Dolores Wanzek on May 7, 1966, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. They built their home in upper North Mankato, where they raised their four children. Jim maintained a large garden and was always willing to lend a helping hand whether it was with his expertise in fixing and building things, his skilled use of tools, or his strength. For years if you didn’t find Jim in one of his garages or garden, you would find him at the local Habitat for Humanity site.

Jim and Dolores enjoyed both domestic and international travel. The most memorable were to Africa when Lynn served in the Peace Corps, the Holy Land, and the Panama Canal.

During retirement, Jim restored Dolores’ grandfather’s 1946 Ford, a Case tractor, a 1973 Chevy Nova, and a 1949 Model B John Deere. He used the John Deere several times to pull the Knights of Columbus float in the North Mankato parade. He enjoyed parades, along with attending performances and ball games to see his grandchildren participate.

Jim was instrumental in the early stages of setting up and organizing the facility of Options for Women|Mankato pregnancy care center. He was an active member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, serving as a Eucharistic Minister as well as on the parish finance committee. Since 1956, Jim was a member of the Knights of Columbus, including being part of the 4th degree Honor Guard. He was also a member of the Mankato Serra Club.

Jim is survived by his wife, Dolores, son, Brian (Yvette) Portz, daughters: Michelle Gardner (special friend, Cody Jacobson), Lynn (Ricardo) Cases, and Sharon (Jeffrey) Crowley; 12 grandchildren: Kimberly (Brian Vega) Portz, Krystal Portz, Logan Portz, Taylor Jacobson, William Jacobson, Rose Cases, Iris Cases, Dahlia Cases, Makayla Crowley, Michael Crowley, Daniel Crowley, and Olivia Crowley; His brothers: Fred Portz, Lyle (Mary Lynn) Portz, Michael (Cindy) Portz, and sister, Janice (Mike) Calder; along with several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Clarinda Portz, sister, Geraldine Mousel, and brother, Orville Portz.

We want to thank the staff of Autumn Lane at Oak Terrace, and Mayo and St. Croix Hospice.

Memorials may be sent to Holy Rosary Catholic Church or Options for Women|Mankato.