George W. Korte, CMSgt USAF Retired

George W. J. Korte, CMSgt USAF Retired, age 87 of Highland, IL, died Tuesday, August 08, 2017, at Saint Joseph's Hospital in Highland, IL. He was born on Monday, July 14, 1930, in Pocahontas, IL, the son of Anton and Wilhelmina (nee Goestenkors) Korte. On Saturday, June 07, 1952, he married JoAnn E. Korte nee Brant at Pierron, Illinois by Fr. Kunsch, who survives. He was a member of Saint Paul Catholic Church; St. Paul School Educational Foundation; Highland Knights of Columbus Council #1580 3rd and 4th Degree (Grand Knight and Faithful Navigator); American Legion Lee Iten Post #439-Past Commander; Five Year President of the Knights of Columbus Chapter of the Springfield Diocese; Senior Vice Commander for Bond/Madison American Legion; Board of Directors Relevant Pregnancy Options Center, Highland, IL, Highland Sharpshooters (lifetime member). Mr. Korte was born in Pocahontas, IL and grew up on the family farm east of Pierron. He attended Immaculate Conception School in Pierron, IL for eight years, St. Henry's Seminary in Belleville for three years, and graduated from St. Paul High School in Highland in 1948. He worked for Highland Box Company and joined the US Air Force in 1950, where he served until June 1974. He retired as Chief Master Sergeant and Superintendent of Electronics at Bergstrom A.F.B. in Austin, Texas. In 1974, he joined Trionics as Manager of Customer Service for nine years and Manager of Material Control for nine years, retiring in 1992. He was very active with the Highland Knights of Columbus where he served as Grand Knight and Faithful Navigator of the 4th Degree. He was the 10th Chairman of the St. Paul Kirchenfest in 1980. He was an avid Euchre card game player. He enjoyed the St. Louis Cardinal Baseball team and traveling with family. Spending time with his family was very important. Survivors include: Wife - JoAnn E. Korte, nee Brant, Highland, IL Son - Rick J. (Pam) Korte, Elgin, IL Daughter - Cheryl A. (Donnie) Ross, Georgetown, TX Daughter - Cindy S. (significant other - Terry Clayton) Miller, Highland, IL Son - Darrin P. (Penny) Korte, Highland, IL Grandchild - Eric (Carolyn) Korte Grandchild - Dawn (Chris) Buford Grandchild - Brandie (Mike) Remke Grandchild - Scott (Julie) Ross Grandchild - Damon (Joanne) Ross Grandchild - Amanda Rice Grandchild - Tiffany (Eric) Abert Grandchild - Thomas Korte Grandchild - Christopher Korte Grandchild - Lexi Korte Grandchild - Stephanie Korte Great Grandchild - Ashley Ross Great Grandchild - Taylor Ross Great Grandchild - Dylan Ross Great Grandchild - Austin Ross Great Grandchild - Kyle Ross Great Grandchild - Evan Korte Great Grandchild - Graham Remke Great Grandchild - Olin Abert Great Grandchild - Violet Remke Great Grandchild - Maddox Abert Great Great Grandchild - Aubry Ross Sister - Ann (Edwin) Plocher, Highland, IL Sister - Millie Foederer Pender, Highland, IL Brother - Ralph F. (Donna) Korte, Highland, IL Brother - Larry J. (Ethel) Korte, Highland, IL Brother - David S. (Ruth) Korte, Highland, IL Brother - Robert F. (Edith) Korte, Highland, IL Sister - Barbara (Dennis) Zobrist, Highland, IL Brother - Daniel J. (Elizabeth "Bunny") Korte, Highland, IL Sister In-law - Eileen Korte, Highland, IL. He was preceded in death by: Father - Anton G. Korte - Died 10/20/1982 Mother - Wilhelmina A. "Minnie" Korte, nee Goestenkors - Died 02/07/1981 Son-in-law - Don Miller - Died 7/18/1997 Brother - Vincent A. (Lynette) Korte - Died 2/27/1995 Sister - Margie (Paul) Rohling - Died 12/28/2010 Sister - Marie (Eddie) Huelsmann - Died 5/7/2013 Sister - Lorraine G. (Harvey) Jakel - Died 5/28/2014 Brother - Raymond F. Korte - Died 9/10/2010 Sister In-law - Betty (Rolland) Hoolihan. Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL. Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday, August 11, 2017, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL and from 8:00 AM to 10:30 AM on Saturday, August 12, 2017, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL. Funeral Mass will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, August 12, 2017, at Saint Paul Catholic Church in Highland, IL., with Rev. Father Pat G. Jakel, pastor, officiating. Interment will be at Saint Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Highland, IL. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul School Educational Foundation; St. Paul Catholic Church or Relevant Pregnancy Options Center.

George W. Korte, CMSgt USAF Retired

July 14, 1930 - August 8, 2017