Blair Bortnem age 57, of Mitchell died Feb 13, 2018 at Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.  Celebration of Blair's life / Visitation will be from 1 to 3 pm Saturday, February 17, 2018 at the Will Funeral Chapel.

Blair Bortnem, son of Ardeen and Marian Bortnem, was born July 18, 1960 in Mitchell, SD.  He grew up in Mitchell and attended Mitchell High School graduating in 1978.  After high school Blair worked for Uncle Clint's Antiques, The Scoreboard, The Game Room Pub and Grill and The Depot.

He was united in marriage with Michelle Hall on September 23, 1989 in Mitchell.

In 1999 Blair graduated from Mitchell Technical Institute with a degree in Computer Systems Technology.  After graduation he worked at Martin Group in Mitchell.  For the last ten years Blair has worked at Mitchell Technical Institute as a Systems Administrator.

Blair and Michelle have two sons, Sean Bortnem of Chamberlain, SD and Eric Bortnem of Portland, OR.   Blair's family meant everything to him.  His greatest joy included attending his sons' sporting events.  He coached soccer and flag football in which his sons' participated.  He spent hours playing catch, pitching, and catching for Sean and Eric to help them feel more comfortable with their game.

Blair also enjoyed a variety of home improvement projects and wood working.  He loved traveling-going on numerous cruises, trips to the Caribbean, Mexico, Canada and almost every state in the continental U.S.  He was a long time St. Louis Cardinal baseball fan with one of his favorite trips to the NLCS in October 2013.  He also enjoyed golfing and watching movies.

In addition to his wife and sons, Blair is survived by sister Linda Kay Rykhus of Sioux Falls, SD; and brothers Elliott Nelson (Mary Jane) of Pierre, SD and Brad Bortnem of Mitchell, SD; niece, Jamie Baker; and nephew, Anthony Nelson.

Blair was preceded in death by his father, Ardeen Bortnem; his mother, Marian Bortnem; and his brother Murray Nelson.