Awald A. Bortz Jr.

Awald August Bortz, Jr. of Houston, Texas left this world on September 8, 2022 at the age of 92 years, exactly five years to the day after the loss of his beloved wife, Irene. He was a truly jovial man with a captivating smile and warm, animated gestures. He was a devoted and faithful son, husband, brother, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle and friend.

Awald is survived by daughter, Janice Wietstruck and husband Jim of Bellville, Texas; son, Craig Bortz and wife Stephanie of Houston, Texas; daughter, Brenda Koh and husband, Chris of Houston, Texas and son, Chris Bortz and wife Jennifer of Houston, Texas. He is also survived by 6 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. He is survived by one sister, Joyce Gay of Pasadena, Texas along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Irene Bortz; father, Awald Bortz, Sr.; and mother, Helen Bortz of Houston, Texas.

Awald was born on September 26, 1929, in Houston, Texas to Awald Bortz and Helen Schroder Bortz. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in the Heights which became a major part of his life. It was at church that he sang in the choir, taught Sunday School and served on various committees. He was a 1947 graduate of Reagan High School. After graduation, he attended Rice Institute (Rice University) where he pursued an Architecture Degree. He served in the Korean War in both the Army and Navy. He married the love of his life, Irene Bredthauer, on November 18, 1950. He was a member of the Kiwanis and AT&T Pioneers (a volunteer network). He began working for AT&T (Southwestern Bell) in 1954 and retired in 1984 at the age of 55.

He loved to travel with his beloved wife, Irene, and this included many places in the U.S. and around the world.

He was quite a wood worker, building various keepsakes for his family and adding several additions to his home. He was asked to build several furnishings for Zion (the cabinet encasing the original stained glass window depicting Jesus knocking at the door, the display cabinet located in the foyer, the cross shelves on the walls of the church, a small replica of the original church) and many other smaller projects.

Awald leaves us due to complications he endured after suffering a severe stroke on February 17, 2017 which left his right side paralyzed and left him unable to speak.

Visitation will be on Friday, September 16, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Pat H Foley & Company, 1200 West 34th St., Houston, Texas 77018. A “Celebration of Life” will be held at Zion Lutheran Church, 3606 Beauchamp, Houston, Texas 77009 on Saturday, September 17, 2022 at 12:30 PM. Awald will be laid to rest at Earthman Resthaven Cemetery, 13102 North Freeway, Houston, Texas. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Auberge Vintage Lake Christmas Fund (benefiting the caregivers at Auberge Vintage Lake), 10120 Louetta Rd, Houston, Texas 77070 and Zion Lutheran Church.