Russell E. Gortner, Jr.

Russell E. Gortner, Jr., 79, of Medina, died Thursday, June 17, 2021 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born March 30, 1942, the son of Russell and Mary (Gindlesperger) Gortner. On August 2, 1964, he married Mary Ellen Ladrach. Russ graduated from Northwestern High School in 1960 and The Ohio State University, College of Pharmacy in 1965. He served with the Ohio Army National Guard. He began his long career as a community pharmacist at Giffin Prescription Center in Wooster. He established Gortner Pharmacy in Lodi in 1972 and Seville Pharmacy in 1990. In 1995, he sold his stores and worked for various pharmacies including Reynolds Drug in Orville and Weiss Pharmacy and CVS in Ashland. Russ enjoyed all sports, especially baseball and played on two state championship teams for the Northwestern Huskies basketball '58 and baseball '59. He loved hunting, fishing, playing poker and time spent playing games with his grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen; children, John Gortner (Terri), Susan Mason (Sean), Karen Strauss (Mike) and Michelle Gortner Hamad (Paul); grandchildren, Katelyn Pankuch, Keith Pankuch, Nick Pankuch, Miles Mason, Ian Mason, Lydia Hamad, Avery Mason and James Strauss; great-grandchild, Mazie Pankuch; brother, Larry Gortner (Joanne) and nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; uncles, Carl, Robert, Clayton and Wayne Gortner and niece, Anne Wolf. At his request, no service will be held. A celebration of life will be held at a future date. McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster, is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Anne M. Wolf Breast Cancer Foundation, P.O. Box 83, Orrville, OH 44667. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com