Paul Joseph Fortman

FARMINGTON – On Saturday, August 19th, 2023, Paul Joseph Fortman loving husband, father and grandfather returned home to the Lord peacefully in his sleep.

Paul was born July 17th, 1941, in Glennonville, Missouri, to Frederick “Fritz” and Agnes (Gass) Fortman. The fifth of twelve children, Paul spent his youth attending St. Teresa’s School and working on the family farm in Glennonville until joining the US Army and serving in Korea in the 21st Ordinance Company.

In 1962, Paul met Joan “Joann” Vander Bol. They were married in 1965 in Mascoutah, Illinois. Paul and Joann had two sons, Brian and Joe, but have also served as positive parental role models to many others throughout their lives. After the Army, Paul worked for McDonnell-Douglas and General Motors plants near St. Louis. Always a hard-worker, Paul carried that work ethic into retirement where he and Joann enjoyed gardening, farming, and raising cattle – pastimes that provided grass-fed beef, organic vegetables and delicious canned goods to family and friends. All that hard work made Paul a champion napper. Any time!  Anywhere!

Paul’s grandchildren enjoyed many visits to the farm, naming the calves, driving the tractors, and helping with whatever vegetables were in season.

Paul’s faith was central to his life. He was a proud member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Farmington, the St. Joseph Knights of Columbus, and he prayed daily especially for his family.

Paul was preceded in death by his father, Fred, mother, Agnes, siblings Leo, Virginia, James, and Marian Susan.

Paul is survived by his wife Joann, his children Brian (Becky) and Joe (Kara); his grandchildren Casey, Brinna, Brooke, Braelyn, Dean and bonus grandchild, Hannah. Siblings: Agnes (Emil), Bernadine, Fred, Bernard, William, Richard, and Cecilia; and many in-laws, nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Friday, August 25th, from 5 to 8 p.m. with a Sharing of Memories at 7 p.m. and the Rosary at 7:30 at Cozean Memorial Chapel in Farmington. A second visitation will resume at the funeral home beginning at 8 a.m. on Saturday followed by the funeral Mass at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Fr. William Thess as Celebrant at 10:30 a.m. Interment with military honors will follow at New Calvary Cemetery in Farmington. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to St. Joseph K of C #12332 in Farmington, Missouri, or St. Teresa’s School in Glennonville, Missouri. View the tribute video and share your condolences at cozeanfuneralhome.com.