Harry F. Kortmeyer, age 95, passed away on April 11, 2025. He was a resident of Colorado Springs since 1969. Harry served in the United States Air Force for 21 years and worked as a manager in data processing at Current, Inc. for 14 years.
Harry was born on January 6, 1930, to Arthur J. Kortmeyer and Maude Cline Kortmeyer on a farm outside of Naper, Nebraska. The family later moved to Winner, South Dakota. Harry worked his way through college from the University of South Dakota and graduated with a bachelor’s degree with the Class of 1951. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1951 and served in Japan during the Korean War. In just 17 years, Harry achieved the highest NCO rank of CMSgt E-9.
Harry met his future wife, Shirley M. Marks, while she was working at a dime store in Denver, Colorado. They were married on January 1, 1956, and shared 49 years together. They had four children: Gary, Debbie, Lolita, and Bernice. The family lived in Colorado Springs while Harry was stationed at the Ent Air Force Base (now the U.S. Olympic Training Center). They moved with him to assignments at Elmendorf AFB in Anchorage, Alaska, and March AFB in Riverside, California, before returning to Colorado Springs, where Harry joined the U.S. Air Force Academy. His skill with computers made him an asset at each of his postings.
Harry and Shirley were original and life-long parishioners of St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, dating back to when the church building was still under construction and its members congregated in the basement of a Yakitori restaurant. The couple were known in the church for their faith and dedication.
After retiring from the Air Force on October 1, 1972, Harry was employed with Current, Inc., from 1971 to 1985. He then opened and operated his own business, Auto Accessories Unlimited, until 1987.
He is survived by his children: Lolita Kortmeyer, Bernice Motzer, Gary Kortmeyer, and Debbie Templeton; and his grandchildren: Michael Chaffin, Gregg Chaffin, Jason Motzer, and Kristopher Motzer. He is also remembered by numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Kortmeyer; his parents, Arthur and Maud Kortmeyer; his siblings: Jack Kortmeyer, Donna Trego, and Beverly Biggins; Gary’s wife, Jackie Kortmeyer; and Debbie’s husband, Roy Chavez.
A Visitation will be held at 8:30 a.m., followed by a Rosary at 9:15 a.m. and a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m., on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church. A luncheon reception will follow at the church. Entombment will be at 1:30 p.m. at the Shrine of Remembrance Mausoleum, Gate of Heaven Sanctuary, with full military honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Harry’s name may be made to St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church and the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
Kelly Privitera, Paula Harmon, and Lori Knowlton
19 Apr 2025We loved our uncle! A truly good and loving soul. . Always the family man with a truly kind heart. We will remember him fondly. May God bless him with everlasting peace. 😘
Steve Young
19 Apr 2025The Buckley SFB military Retiree Activities Office (RAO) would like to offer our sincere condolences and our gratitude for CMSgt Kortmeyer’s 21 years of distinguished service to our country in the Air Force. If you would like help with any matters related to casualty assistance, Defense Finance & Accounting Service, Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), Veterans Affairs (VA), etc. you can contact our office on Buckley SFB at 720-847-6693 or raobuckley@gmail.com. The RAO is staffed by volunteers, all military retirees themselves, and our sole purpose is to provide assistance to any military retirees and surviving spouses/family members with anything related to their military service and/or benefits, in particular during difficult times such as this. We are deeply sorry for your loss.
Steve Young
Lt Col, USAF, Ret
Director, Buckley SFB RAO
Dan Proctor
20 Apr 2025Mr Kortmeyer will be missed by anyone who ever knew him. I was lucky enough to be a friend for A good while. He was a great Dad and an inspiration for his family and anyone who ever had the pleasure to meet him.
Barb Pope
21 Apr 2025What a beautiful and special person Harry was. We are blessed to have known him. Rest in peace, Harry.
Karen and Bob
22 Apr 2025God has gained an angle. He was one of the nicest people we have ever meet. He will be missed. Thoughts and prayers to his family. Love Karen and Bob