Mr. Gregory Bortka

Gregory W. Bortka, 53, Overland Park, Kansas, departed this life on Monday, October 5, 2009, at St. Luke's Hospital surrounded by his loving family and friends. A celebration of Greg's life will be 7:30 p.m. Thursday, October 8, at D.W. Newcomer's Sons Johnson County Chapel, 11200 Metcalf. A gathering of Greg's family and friends will be from 6-7:30 prior to the service. Two of Greg's favorite things were pizza and ice cream, which will be served following the service. During the gathering, Greg's request was that friends and family write down memories of him that can be given to his children, Riley and Max. Cremation will follow the service with a private family graveside in Johnson County Memorial Gardens. If desired, memorial contributions in memory of Greg may be given to the Riley and Max Educational Fund care of The Gregory W. Bortka Revocable Trust, UMB Bank Trust Department, 7109 W. 80th St., Overland Park, KS 66204. Greg was born in Kansas City, Kansas, to Walter and Dorothy Bortka and was a lifelong area resident. Greg graduated from Washington High School in 1974 and Kansas City Kansas Community College. He married Lee Bruning on May 18, 1991, in Kansas City, Missouri. To this union, they were blessed with two children, Riley Lauren Frances and Maxim Alexander Benton. He was the General Manager at D.W. Newcomer's Sons White Chapel Funeral Home and Cemetery and had previously worked at the Overland Park Chapel and Johnson County Chapel as his lifelong career of over 30 years. Greg was on the board of the Kansas Funeral Directors and Embalmers, serving as District #2 President. Greg attended Christ Community Evangelical Free Church. Greg was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Gail Finley. Greg is survived by his wife, Lee; daughter, Riley, and son, Maxim, all of the home; one sister, Paula Hughes and her husband David, Independence, and one brother, Lynn Bortka and his wife Elise of Katy, Texas; brother-in-law Gary Finley of Kansas City, Kansas, and many other relatives and friends. Greg was kindhearted, had a great sense of humor and was always the life of the party. He was a dedicated father, always being involved with Riley's and Max's activities. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Fond memories and condolences may be left for Greg's family at www.caringbridge.com, which was created for his short but courageous journey with cancer.

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