Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Nov. 11, 1929 — March 29, 2020

Mondo Lee Bortz, 90, of Niles passed away on March 29, 2020, at Memorial Hospital in South Bend.

He was born the only child of the late Lester and Hazel (Fuller) Bortz on Nov. 9, 1929, in Niles.

Mondo was a class of ’47 graduate of Niles High School, shortly after he enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served his country during the Korean War. He fell in love with Barbara Starr and the couple were united in marriage on July 3, 1954, to that union two children were born Kim and Doug. He also helped raise his stepdaughter Marcia.

Mondo became a tool and tool die maker and worked for a short time at R&M. He spent most of his career as a machinist for National Standard where he retired in ’87.

He enjoyed “tinkering” in his garage and was gifted at construction as well, building his family home. Mondo also was a great mechanic and enjoyed working on motorcycles and racing them with his son. He enjoyed quiet times on Sunday mornings watching westerns and having his dogs close.

In 2000, Mondo’s wife Barbara passed away. In 2008, he married Frances (Stratton) Syson who also preceded him in 2019. Mondo was also preceded in death by his daughter, Marcia Mason in February of 2020.

Mondo is survived by his children, Kim Meek (Denny Hyche), of Buchanan and Doug (Marie) Bort, of Niles; seven grandchildren, Troy (April) Meek, Nicole (Richard) Syson, Christopher (Stacy) Bortz, Jennica Bortz, Brian (Stephanie) Bortz, Justin and Amber Bortz; as well as fourteen great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held for the immediate family at noon on Thursday, April 2, at Brown Funeral Home in Niles with visitation beginning one hour prior.

Full military honors will be rendered at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens by the U. S. Navy and the American Legion Post 51 in Buchanan. His service can be viewed on our Facebook page, facebook.com/BrownFuneralHomeNiles/.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mondo’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, Illinois 60601.

Memories and photos may be shared with his family at BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Niles.