Obituaries

John E. Fortin, of Fremont, passed away on March 21 at the age of 95. He was the beloved father to Alta Jo Adamson and her husband Ron of Fremont, Delma Rose Holcombe and her husband Bill of Brookfield, CT and John ?Jack? Ellis Fortin, Jr. and his wife Sara of Vadnais Heights, MN. Loving grandfather to Andrew Adamson and his wife Mary Beth, Amy Harris and her husband Keith, Will Holcombe, Beth Holcombe and Douglas Fortin and his wife Sarah. Cherished great grandfather to Hanna, McKenzie, Luke, Jasper, Sonja and Sunny. Also survived by many nieces and nephews and extended family. He was predeceased by his wife Joy Fortin, his brother James Fortin and his sister Delma Rose Weber.

John was born in the rural village of Knapp, WI. He was blessed with a beautiful voice and was a church soloist, from an early age. The first in his family to attend college, he met his future wife, Joyce Shafer, in the college drama club, and they appeared together in many plays and operettas. They married shortly after college and eventually had three children and were happily married for 49 years.

John received his bachelor?s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stout in 1936, and later his master?s degree from Northern Illinois University. He began his career as director of the Alabama School of Trades at Gadsden, AL. Later he became director of Vocational and Adult Education, Rockford, IL. Finally, he became a tenured professor at Murray State University, Murray, KY. For his achievements as a dedicated educator, accomplished administrator, and noted consultant, John was awarded the Distinguished Graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Stout in the year 1979.

Besides work, John had many interests and hobbies. He loved driving trips across the United States and Canada. He loved international travel, visiting England, most of Northern Europe, Bangladesh and China. He was a gentleman farmer who loved gardening, and searching for antiques and collectables. He was a devout Christian and a life-long leader in the Methodist Church.

A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, March 26, 7pm at Aegis of Fremont, 3850 Walnut Ave., Fremont, 94538. There will be a graveside service on Saturday, March 31, 12pm at Rose Hill Cemetery in Downsville, WI.