David J. Bortka

David J. Bortka, 76, passed away peacefully at the KC VA hospital on July 3rd, 2024.

David was born on December 22, 1947 to the late John and Velma Bortka of Kansas City Kansas. After graduating Wyandotte High School in 1965, David joined the US Navy and served on the aircraft carrier USS Ticonderoga for two years in Vietnam. He settled back home, married Karen Churchwell and started his family. He earned his BA in Business Management from St. Mary’s University in Leavenworth, KS. He worked at Western Electric for several years before joining the fire department in KCK, where he proudly served for nearly two decades.

David loved fishing, hunting, his dogs, and spending time with family and friends. He had a giant heart, was loved by many, and will always be remembered for his infectious smile and the twinkle in his eye.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two siblings, Becky Bortka Wicinski, and Chris Bortka.

He is survived by his daughter Jamie Waters (Robb) and son, Rick Bortka; four grandchildren, Haley Waters-Fields (Luke), Caden Waters, Morgan Bortka and Meghan Bortka; siblings, Jerry Bortka, Tim Bortka (Penny), Victor Bortka (Myra) and Julie Denk; and a multitude of loving nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Knights of Columbus, 11221 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, 66203 on Saturday, July 20th at 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the KC VA Heartland West (Chaplain Service: Hospice), whose staff went above and beyond to give David excellent, honorable care in his final days.