Wilfred "Bill" Charles Cortis, Jr.

Wilfred (Bill) Cortis, age 75, passed away peacefully in Durango, CO, on July 8, 2024. He spent the last 3 years receiving exceptional care at Junction Creek Health and Rehab Center after suffering a stroke in 2020.

Bill was born August 19, 1948 in Pontiac, Michigan to Wilfred and Marjorie Cortis. He was a stand-out student-athlete at Grosse Ile High School, played football and baseball at Wayne State University and earned a spot on the 1970 Detroit Lions preseason roster after completing his degree. Always quick with a joke and a terrific cook, Bill was a devoted teammate, friend, father, coach, and husband; and worked as a wine importer, advertising salesman and raised horses in Lake Orion, Michigan.

Bill is survived by former wives Susan Peabody and Jill Cortis; daughters Kate Cortis (John Simpson) and Amelia Marjory; and grandsons Ryne and Dean Simpson.

No formal services will be held. His family invites you to celebrate the next Detroit Tigers or Lions win on his behalf.