Kortland Koutnik, of Antigo, died Sunday, October 13, 2013 at Langlade Hospital under the care of LeRoyer Hospice. He was 82 years old. He was born on June 21, 1931 in Antigo a son of Jacob and Agnes (Novotny) Koutnik. He married Joan S. Schacher on October 23, 1954 at St. John Catholic Church. She survives.

He attended Gilles Grade School and Antigo HIgh School graduating in 1948. In 1950

Mr. Koutnik began working for the State of Wisconsin Conservation Department, based in Woodruff, working for different hatcheries. In 1951 he joined the United States Air Force serving over seas during the Korean War.

Following his time in the Air Force he returned to the Conservation Department. He completed the Patrol Academy at Camp McCoy and transferred to the State of Wisconsin Motor Vehicle Department. He was employed by the State of Wisconsin until his retirement in 1989. He served as a state patrol trooper, an inspector and an investigator.

He was a member of the Sparks-Doernenberg American Legion Post 3 and the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks Lodge 662 both in Antigo.

He played the tuba, clarinet, saxophone and drums in the Polkateers, Neva Corner Band and Louie Zdrazil Band.

In addition to his wife survivors include a daughter, Laurie (Brian) Blink of Antigo; two sons, Michael "Dean" (special friend Georgia Masco) Koutnik of Schofield and Darren (Dana) Koutnik of Appleton; four grandchildren, Courtney and Adam Koutnik, Andrew and Thomas Blink; step granddaughter, Tatum Schaff; and a sister-in-law, Joan E. Koutnik of Antigo.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brother, Jake Koutnik.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Bradley Funeral Home. Burial will take place in Queen of Peace Cemetery with Antigo veterans conducting military honors. Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday and 10 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday at the Bradley Funeral Home. An Elks Lodge of Sorrow service will be held Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

Services