Rolf H. Bortner ’66

Rolf Hedin Bortner, 72, died Sunday evening, June 14, 2020, at his son’s home in Waymart, Pennsylvania. He was the husband of the late Catherine Ward Bortner who passed away January 25, 2012.

Born in Huntington, Long Island, he was the son of the late Robert and Siv Hedin Bortner. He was a graduate of Williston Academy where he excelled in sports, especially soccer and lacrosse. He also attended Wesleyan University. He was a proud Navy Veteran who served in the Vietnam Conflict. He was employed as a grip for the labor union Local #52 IATSE for over forty years.

Rolf enjoyed riding motorcycles and was an avid target shooter and gun collector.

Surviving are a son, Robert Bortner and his partner Brianna McAllister, and her daughter Hazel Blocker, of Waymart; a grandson, Rolf Bortner, of Waymart; a niece, Brook Bortner, of Ca.; and several other nieces and nephews on his wife’s side.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Bret Bortner ’64.

A private funeral service will be held at the convenience of the family.

7 thoughts on “Rolf H. Bortner ’66”

  1. Sad Day for the greater Williston family. Played on the same attack for 2 years where we fed each other for many goals (as I remember it). Semper Fi from another Vet from THE Nam!

  2. Rolf is well remembered as an outstanding character with an easy laugh. We played lacrosse together and I always admired his skill, determination and sense of fun.
    Best wishes to Rolf’s friends and family.

  3. Can’t believe a guy so full of life can be gone. What a great guy and good friend. Reed Gramse

  4. Last time I saw Rolf he stayed with me for Carl Stevens funeral and shared many remembrances of our time at Williston. What a great guy who will be missed. I picture him with his attack stick and smile.

  5. I remember Rolf as fun loving (prankster) and a great athlete and just a fun guy to be around. I spoke with Pup Gould last week about this tragic event in the history of the class of ’66 and both of us are saddened at his passing. Strength to his family in dealing with this loss as we are.

  6. As a baby boy at Williston, I learned most of what I need about toughness and humor from Baby Balls; a fine athlete and friend. Tried to catch up until the end…
    Fair winds, Rolf

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.