Fredrick Wilson Kortum

On Tuesday, October 25th, 2022 Fredrick (Rick) Wilson Kortum passed away at the age of 75. Rick lived in Jackson, WY nearly all his life. He was born in Driggs, ID, and then moved to Oxnard, CA where he lived until he was eleven before moving back to Jackson in 1958 with his mother, step-father, and siblings.

Rick graduated from Jackson-Wilson High School in 1965, where he met Judith (Judy) Eileen Van Deburg whom he married, in 1967, after studying Electrical Engineering at the University of Utah. They were happily married for 55 years living in Jackson, WY where he called home for the rest of his life. Rick started working for his future father-in-law in 1966, where he found his life-long passion and career at WEDCO Manufacturing while raising seven children. He worked at WEDCO for 47 years. He became a volunteer EMT and drove the ambulance to spend more time with Judy. After WEDCO, he worked alongside his son, Corey, until his health no longer permitted.

Rick is survived by his wife, Judy, and seven children: Tanya Shively (& John Stulik) of Scottsdale, AZ; Wendy (& Steve) Palmer of Clinton, UT; Corey Kortum (& Krista Gorrell) of Victor, ID; Colby (& Meara) Kortum of Thornton, CO; Brenda (& Aaron) Johnson of Jamestown, RI; Kelsey (& Erin) Kortum of Valley Center, CA; Kirby Kortum (& Carol Hansen) of Victor, ID; fourteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his Mother, Father; brother, Jim; sister, Judi; and grandson, Austin.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be made in Rick’s name to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Missionary Fund or Humanitarian Fund. https://donate.churchofjesuschrist.org/donations/church/missionary-fund

https://donate.churchofjesuschrist.org/donations/church/humanitarian-services

I will forever remember the years I was able to work with dad at “the shop”. I treasure the skills and love for building he taught me. It has shaped my life in ways I can’t express. He would often say as he was leaving at the end of day “You know, if you’d done anything today you could go home now too”. Well Dad, I guess you’ve gone home now. We love you.