Gregory M. Kortman

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Gregory (Gregg) Marion Kortman, who left this Earth on September 19, 2024 in Marietta, GA. Gregg was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend. His love for country and devotion to nation, family, and his Savior Jesus Christ have had lasting impact.

Gregg was born on April 17, 1945 in Wyandotte, Michigan, to second and third generation German immigrants. He spent his early years in Taylor, Michigan. Gregg graduated from Taylor Center High School in 1963 where he took part in radio repair, football, track & field, cross country, and as student council President. After starting his first year at Wayne State University, he enlisted in the United States Navy as a Nuclear Field trained Electronics Technician Nuclear (ETN), specializing in nuclear reactor operations and volunteering for Submarine Duty in 1964, progressing to First Class Petty Officer.

Through the Navy, he pursued his education as a Navy Enlisted Science Education Program (NESEP) Officer Candidate at the University of Kansas, majoring in Chemical Engineering. Due to his academic success, he received dozens of offers from programs for Graduate education and successfully commissioned as an Officer in 1971. He accepted the University of Kansas fellowship with Navy approval, enabling him to complete a Master’s in Chemical Engineering in 1972. His career in the United States Navy as a Mustang was varied working as an instructor at Nuclear Power School and in Advanced Officer Training, on attack and ballistic submarines within engineering, ship’s lay leader, legal officer, diving officer, operations officer, recognized as a Chemistry sub-specialist, and Navigator. He served on 4 nuclear submarines, culminating as a nuclear submarine executive officer (XO) of the Ballistic Nuclear Submarine, Nathanial Greene SSBN-663.

His career was marked by a pursuit of education and opportunities. He applied to the Naval Academy, Naval Aviation (completing his first civilian solo flight in 1965), and the NASA Shuttle program. For every setback he experienced, he persevered and quietly shined bright with many achievements and the respect of his colleagues. His commanders often described him as energetic, industrious, meticulous, and an impressively efficient administrator and leader. He was consistently recommended for command of his own submarine by his superiors prior to deciding to retire. After 21 years, he retired as a Lieutenant Commander (LCDR). He continued his love of learning with a Master of Science in Industrial Education from Brigham Young University after his Naval career, with emphasis on renewable housing. He later worked on the Titan IV rocket for Hercules Aerospace and multiple engineering positions, environmental non-profits and self-employed projects.

Beyond his professional life, Gregg was known for his love of efficiency, frugality, fitness, and renewable energy. He appreciated Picasso, art, ceramics, architecture and sports (Detroit Lions and KU Jayhawks basketball). He was a collegiate fencer. He loved science fiction, in particular Star Trek, Asimov, ID4 and Space Quest. He loved cars and car repair, and hard work. He was an aficionado of foods and would often frequent Wendy’s, El Ranchero, Golden Carrol and White Castle. He loved watching movies and TV paired with Diet Coke, Snow Caps and Chips Ahoy cookies. He loved independence, and the Book of Mormon which he shared with his family and friends.

He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, joining after bootcamp. He was impressed by the Church’s emphasis on the family and converted by the Spirit of God. He dedicated his time and energy to the Lord, serving as a temple worker and temple guard. For the last 16 years, he volunteered as the ward assistant financial clerk.

He was consistent in writing letters to his family members that served full-time missions, writing weekly to all including grandchildren, as his hearing issues often prevented calls or spoken conversations. When his parents were alive and moved to New Mexico, he would drive to spend time with them, despite not having much contact after leaving home and during his Naval Career.

Gregg is survived by his loving wife, Yolanda Camacho Kortman and their two children Francisco (Katie) Kortman and Jessica (Carlos) Kortman. He was preceded in death by his former spouse Elizabeth Kelley with whom he had 5 children: Michelle V. Kortman, Kelley (Natalie) Kortman, Jonathan (Tiffany) Kortman, Christopher (Jessica) Kortman, and Lyndsey (Matt) Leech. He is survived by the 7 children, and his 20 grandchildren Amanda, Emily, Ronald, Riker, Zoie, Rachel, Nick, Dylan, Brock, Gage, Cade, Parker, Allison, Bridger, Caroline, Amélie, Luca, Isa, Eliza, and Xander. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Lauren Kortman. He is survived by his brother Edward (Kathy) Kortman and sister Mary Ellen Baumgartner. He was preceded in death by his Mother and Father Ellen and Charles Kortman. He also leaves behind a host of extended family and friends who will carry his memory.

Gregg was reluctant to be in photos or bask in the limelight, and true to his Naval Career working in the “Silent Service,” his efforts were often unseen and unrecognized by the masses. He showed his love with acts rather than words. He was known to speak his mind and stand for what he thought was right, moral and just. Gregg was dedicated to those in need. He could be trusted in all things, was proud of all his children and spouse. He was industrious and dependable to the end. He will be remembered fondly and missed for who he was.

A celebration and memorial of Gregg’s life will be held on October 10, 2024 at 16:00, at the Papermill Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 95 Holt Road NE, Marietta, Georgia 30068. All are invited to come. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that guests bring any photos or stories of Gregg and drop them off or provide a copy.

Please share a memory or your condolence with the Korman family at www.nationalcremation.com.