Joel Francis Kortus passed away at his home surrounded by his family on June 19, 2012, at 68 years young, after a short battle with an unexpected and rapidly degenerative neurological disease. Joel was devoted to his family and faith and touched those around him with his humor, work ethic, integrity and kind heart.
Born June 26, 1943, in Dwight, Neb., to Lillian and Joseph Kortus, Joel grew up in Lincoln, Neb. He attended Pius X High School. After graduation he attended the University of Nebraska where he was a three-year varsity basketball letterman for the Cornhuskers. Joel met Lindy, his wife of 46 years, in Lincoln. After receiving his Master’s Degree in Education, his college basketball coach “Cipriano,” a native of Washington, suggested Joel take his interest in sailing to where there was “real water.” Joel and Lindy moved from Nebraska to Anacortes. Joel fell in love with the beaches and beauty of the Pacific Northwest and with his loving wife raised five children and spent endless hours enjoying their 14 grandchildren.
Joel began his 35 year coaching and teaching career in Anacortes in 1967, adapting to beachfront living. Seeking his first basketball head coaching job, Joel and Lindy then moved to Puyallup where they raised their family while Joel taught and coached in Tacoma, spending much of his career at Franklin Pierce High School. Throughout his career, Joel was a mentor and role model for students and players. Retiring after 30 years, Joel spent another five years at Cascade Christian School teaching and coaching basketball.
Joel was a supporter of Young Life, active in his church and always supporting and coaching his children. Upon his final retirement from education, Joel and Lindy moved to Whidbey Island and back to the beach where he enjoyed sailing, kayaking, crabbing, beachcombing, spending time with family and creating art from treasures found on the beach. Joel enjoyed ten years of driving for Island Transit after moving to Whidbey Island.
Joel will be missed by his wife, Lindy; five children and their adored spouses, Tiffany (Scott) Sahagian, Tawnya (Clint) Myers, Taft (Rachelle) Kortus, Thomas (Amy) Kortus and Todd (Ashley) Kortus; 14 grandchildren; and his sister Linda Ebel. Joel was a member of Christ the King Community Church in Coupeville and the University of Nebraska Alumni Association. In lieu of flowers, a remembrance donation may be made to Christ the King Community Church Worldwide Fund – Philippines P.O. Box 765, Burlington, WA. 98233.
A memorial service and reception will be held at First Reformed Church in Oak Harbor, Saturday, July 7, at 1:30 p.m. Arrangements are entrusted to Wallin Funeral Home & Cremation. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.wallinfuneralhome.com.
