Lee “Dick” Bort was born in Bellefontaine, Ohio on November 19, 1905, the son of Lee W. and Isabelle Dickinson Bort. He moved to Beloit in 1911, attending Beloit schools and Beloit College. A 1923 Beloit High School graduate, he played basketball and football and was President of the student body. Mr. Bort became associated with the Beloit Building and Loan Association in 1925 and rose from office boy to manager to becoming its President in 1950, a position he held until his death.

He married DeEtte Clifcorn of Janesville on April 27, 1935. His is a long record of service to his community. He served three terms on the Rock County Board of Supervisors and as its President in 1951, he was a member of the Board of Directors of Family Service Association of Beloit, a charter member of the Beloit Little Theater, Beloit Club and Cellar Club. In 1951 he was named “Man of the Year” by the Beloit Jaycees.

He was an active member in the affairs of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Among the many noted accomplishments of Mr. Bort was his development of the Turtle Ridge Subdivision, which remains one of Beloit’s outstanding residential areas. Beloit business and civic leader, Dick Bort died in Beloit Hospital on June 16, 1967, at the age of 61, survived by his wife. The Beloit Daily News contained the following editorial:  “Lee (Dick) Bort, A Builder of Beloit – The growth and development of Beloit over the past four decades has reflected the efforts and the talents of many men, but few contributed to the degree that did Lee (Dick) Bort. Mr. Bort, who died Friday, was a key figure in much of the residential, industrial and commercial expansion that Beloit has seen since the great Depression.

Through his leadership, a real estate development firm and the Beloit Building and Loan Association prospered, as an indication of his considerable business abilities. As astute political worker, Dick Bort was regarded during his most active years as “Mr. Republican” in Rock County and was at home with GOP figures of all ranks. His leadership of the party coincided with some of its most successful campaigns and his service as a Rock County Supervisor demonstrated his capacity for constructive guidance of government affairs.

Dick Bort was, also, unselfish with his time and talents when it came to community service: Fund campaigns, welfare causes, civil projects and church works. The marks that Dick Bort left on Beloit – and they are marks of growth and progress – are a permanent tribute to an outstanding citizen.”