Gary L. Bortscheller

Gary L. “Bort” Bortscheller, 77 of South Sioux City, Nebraska passed away on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at a local hospital, comforted by family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, April 10, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Michael Catholic Church in South Sioux City, Nebraska with Father Matthew Niggemeyer as Celebrant. Burial will follow at St. Catherine Cemetery in Oyens, Iowa. Visitation will be on Wednesday, April 9th at the Mohr & Becker-Hunt Funeral Home in South Sioux City, Nebraska from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a Vigil Service beginning Wednesday evening at 7:00 p.m. with Father Michael Keating leading prayers. Please direct memorial donations to either the Siouxland Humane Society or Noah’s Hope.

Gary was born on June 29, 1947 in Le Mars, Iowa to Edward M. and Marie (Rupp) Bortscheller. He was raised on the family farm at Remsen, Iowa and moved to Sioux City, Iowa after high school graduation in 1965. Gary attended NBT, graduating in 1967. He lived in Minneapolis, Minnesota for a short time before returning to the Sioux City area and worked at a couple accounting jobs. His dream and passion became reality in 1975 when he opened Bort Auto Body in South Sioux City, Nebraska, a business that continues to thrive with it’s awesome staff. He married Joyce Hieb in June of 1995.

Bort was an active member of St. Michael’s Parish in South Sioux City, including the Knights of Columbus. His faith was very important to him. He had the heart of a servant. Organizations he belonged to included the Dominic Club, Sioux City & South Sioux City Chamber of Commerce (Officer), Toastmasters, Pit Crew for Stephan Brothers Racing, and Sioux City Ski Club. Bort also enjoyed performing with Jimmy Jet and the Greasers, and enjoyed his memberships to Good Guys Car Club (attending for 26 consecutive years), Knights of Columbus, and Elks Club.

Bort’s hobbies were many, but especially old cars, cruise nights, garage tours, and Wednesday night wing nights. Being meticulous in his woodwork, the family home is filled with his unique work.

Bort is survived by his wife Joyce; step-daughter Cari (Ryan) Fleek of Elk Point, South Dakota; grandson Cooper Fleek of Elk Point; siblings Bev (Steve) Essler of Thornton, Colorado, Dave (Sharon) Bortscheller of Remsen, Iowa, Kathy (Mike) Lawler of Elk Point, South Dakota; in-laws Mike (Val) Hieb of Brandon, South Dakota, Gary (Patti) Heib of Cottleville, Missouri, Rose (Reg) Robertson of Shawnee, Kansas, and Curt (Diana) Hieb of Camdenton, Missouri; special aunts Norma Clark, Mary O’Leary, and Shirley Sims; along with many nieces, nephews, dear friends, especially Bud Nelson and Bill Addison.

Bort packed a lot of living into his life. He never did anything half-way. He loved a good party. He would be happy tinkering the day away on a current project. Bort cherished Joyce, his family and friends. He gave the very best hugs. He had a huge sweet tooth. He loved old cars and he loved Jesus. He loved all of us and we loved him so very much. As a tribute to Bort, the family invites you to bring your old cars to the visitation and funeral.

Joyce and family wish to especially thank Cindy Renkel, who helped care for Bort in his home the past two years. She loved Bort as much as we did. Your kindness will be remembered and is cherished.

Bort was preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law Robert and Violet Hieb, brother Kenny, brother-in-law Dale Hieb, and numerous aunts and uncles.