Tommy "Tom" Cort, Jr.

Tommy Cort Jr., 85, passed away peacefully at his home in Runnells, IA on Sunday morning, August 29th surrounded by his family. He was born during a snowstorm on February 24, 1936 to (Emma) Evelyn Curtis and Thomas Warner Cort in Des Moines, IA.

Tom & his parents lived in and around the Berwick area most of his life. He graduated from Altoona High School in 1954 and was a letter winner in basketball & baseball. He spent one year playing ball for Le Mars College then tried out for the Cincinnati Reds but couldn’t bring the heat that day and his spot was given to another.

Tom married Judith A. Cox on December 1, 1957 in Altoona, IA. To this union they were blessed with three children, Tim, Chris and Melissa. Tommy was a custom homebuilder from 1965 to 1984. He was proud of the honest, quality work he provided and built a good life for his family. After living several years up and down E. 38th & Broadway, he moved his family to a 30+ acre farm south of Altoona. He loved working with his livestock & horses, and growing small crops that he worked with his dad, Tom Sr. Tom & Judy were divorced in 1982.

Tom never gave up his love of sports and enjoyed 17 years managing the Cort Builder’s slow-pitch softball teams (men’s and co-ed). He loved his players and was a mentor to many. Lions Park became his home away from home, creating memories for years to come for all who enjoyed the sport. In 1988, his team made it to the National Championship games in Alabama.

He is survived by his three children, Tim (Margaret) Cort, Chris (Connie Gray) Cort, and Melissa (Bill) Horton; nine grandchildren – Jeremiah and Seth Cort, Sarah Cort, Tommy (Nicole) Cort, Kennedy, Elijah (Brittany) Horton, Mellany (Stefan) Schumacher, Jamie Gray, and Kim (John) Traynor; and three great-grandchildren, Easton (Horton), Liam (Cort) and Alby (Schumacher), many cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

He loved his time spent in Nevis, MN at his parent’s cabin on Spider Lake, fishing every chance he could get anywhere he could, watching his children and grandchildren build their lives, playing ball in the summer and witnessing his beloved Chicago Cubs win a championship in his lifetime. He was loved and will be greatly missed.

Services will be held on Thursday, September 9, 2021, at Hamilton’s Altoona Funeral Home, 105 4th Street SW. Visitation will take place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. with the service to begin at 12 p.m. He will be laid to rest at Berwick Cemetery.

Due to the potential exposure of the Covid virus, masks will be recommended for all in attendance. We know and understand that many will want to give hugs and shake hands, but please know that the safety of all is a priority.

Memorial contributions will be received by the family in loving memory of Tom.

Online condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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