Gary M. Portenier

Gary M. Portenier, 79, of Washington, KS, died Sunday, August 28, 2016 at the Washington County Hospital. Visitation was Thursday, September 1 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Ward Funeral Home in Washington. The family received friends from 5 to 7 p.m. A funeral service was held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, September 2 at the Washington Christian Church. Rev. Jim Stark officiated. Gay Lynn Manning played pre lude and post lude on the piano. Dennis Portenier played the piano and sang “Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone).” The congregation sang Victory in Jesus” and “How Great Thou Art.” Kathleen Sheely, Dennis Portenier, and Kevin Portenier sang “What a Day That Will Be.” The pallbearers were Dillon Sheely, Levi Portenier, Brian Toovey, DJ Yoder, Brad Portenier, Doug Portenier, Troy Portenier and Clayton Portenier. The honorary pallbearers were Karly Portenier, Kenton Sheely, Skylar Portenier, and Sarah Portenier. A graveside service was held at 2:30 p.m., Friday, at the Guide Rock Cemetery near Guide Rock, NE. Gary was born January 29, 1937 at Guide Rock, son of Ralph and Norma (Burwell) Portenier. After high school Gary began working as an agent for the Burlington Railroad. On June 2, 1957, he married Wanda Amack at Guide Rock. In 1967, they made Seward, NE, their home. Gary continued to work for the railroad and served as Chief Crew Caller. He retired from the railroad after 40 years and then worked at Seward Lumber for another 10 years. In 2007, they moved to Washington, KS. He also served several churches as an ordained minister including congregations in Guide Rock, Edgar and Superior, NE and Morrowville, KS. Gary loved music and playing the guitar. Survivors include his wife, Wanda; daughter, Kathleen (Gary Dean) Sheely, Sapulpa, OK; two sons, Dennis (Angie) Portenier, Washington, KS, and Kevin (Sherri) Portenier, Lakewood, CO; six grandchildren; and two brothers, Darrel Portenier, Washington, and Gail Portenier, Wymore, NE. He was preceded in death by his parents. A memorial fund has been established to the Washington Christian Church. Contributions may be sent in care of Ward Funeral Home, 115 W 2nd, Washington, KS 66968. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Gary M. Portenier, please visit our flower store.