Gilbert F. "Pete" Pottorff

Gilbert F. “Pete” Pottorff, Jr., 89, of Wellsville, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, December 30, 2015, at Brookside Retirement Community, Overbrook, Kansas. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Monday, January 4, 2016, at Dengel & Son Mortuary. Family will meet with friends one hour prior to service from 1:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. Interment Wellsville Cemetery, Wellsville, Kansas with military honors by the United States Navy. Pete was born Wednesday, March 3, 1926, in Mulberry, Kansas, the son of Gilbert F. Sr. and Myrtle Mae (Alexander) Pottorff. He lived in Kansas City, Missouri, before moving in 1958 to Wellsville. Pete was united in marriage with Peggy Yokley September 3, 1950, in Hannon, Missouri. She survives of the home. Other survivors include his five children, Nancy Warren and husband Joe of Edgerton, Karen Thorne and husband Doug of Lebo, Keith Pottorff and wife Laurie of Gardner, Brian Pottorff and wife Trisha of Warrenton, Missouri, and Kimberly Anglemyer and husband Kris of Los Angeles, California; thirteen grandchildren; six great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Cheryl Elias; parents, Myrtle and Gilbert Pottorff, Sr.; and five brothers, Dale, Lynn, William, Clem, and Ray Pottorff. Pete served in the United States Navy during World War II from 1943 to 1947. He served in the Pacific Theater of Operations as a carpenters mate aboard the U.S.S. Gear. Pete was employed as a machine operator for thirty years with Delco Battery in Olathe, Kansas, retiring in 1985. He was a member of New Hope Baptist Church in Wellsville and the American Legion Louis H. Hanson Post 194 Wellsville. Pete will be remembered as a kind and caring man who loved, supported and cared for his family throughout his life. He enjoyed their time together fishing, gardening, traveling, and was always active. He received the privilege of being included in an honor flight to Washington D.C. honoring WWII Veterans. Pete will be deeply missed and remain in the hearts and thoughts of his family and friends. The family suggests memorial contributions to American Honor Flight c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Family and friends are encouraged to post their condolences and memories on Pete’s Tribute Wall at www.dengelmortuary.com