Irene Korte Obituary

Irene A. Korte VIRGINIA BEACH - Irene A. Korte passed away peacefully Sept. 17, 2009, surrounded by her loving family. She was 89. A native of New Haven, Mo., she grew up dreaming of becoming a music teacher, being a piano soloist with a symphony orchestra, and marrying Don Korte, the love of her life, whom she met at age 3. She achieved all of her dreams. She graduated from Lindenwood College for Women with a bachelor's of music degree, and received a master's of education from The College of William and Mary. She also studied piano, organ and voice. Mrs. Korte touched many lives, teaching music for 31 years at Alanton, John B. Dey and Oceana elementary schools in Virginia Beach, retiring in 1983. She also taught classes for The College of William and Mary and Old Dominion University. In addition to being a dedicated educator, she was also a talented vocalist and musician. Among her many accomplishments, she appeared with the Norfolk Symphony as one of two piano soloists at the first Pops concert in 1953. She wed Don Korte in 1945 and enjoyed 63 happy, wonderful years of marriage to him. A resident of Virginia Beach's Alanton neighborhood for nearly 50 years, Mrs. Korte was very active in her community. She was a member of and held offices in many organizations including the North Alanton Civic League, Princess Anne Woman's Club, Scherzo Music Club, and Virginia Federation of Music clubs. She was also active at First Presbyterian Church in Virginia Beach, where she was organist and choir director for many years. A proud, devoted wife, mother and grandmother, Mrs. Korte was preceded in death by her loving husband, Don, and grandson, Jack Korte. She is survived by her four children and their spouses, Don W. Korte Jr. and wife Mary of Mequon, Wis., Martha Korte Brantley and husband Allen, George F. Korte and wife Holly, John J. Korte and wife Judy, all of Virginia Beach; grandchildren, Don W. Korte III of West Allis, Wis., Christine Brantley, Kyle Korte and wife Mollie, Kurt Korte, Kendall Korte, Ben Korte and Elizabeth Korte; and great- granddaughter, Lindsey Brantley, all of Virginia Beach. Visitation will be Wednesday, Sept. 23, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Great Neck Chapel. The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, at First Presbyterian Church, Virginia Beach, followed by a reception at the church and private burial. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Korte Family Scholarship, c/o Virginia Beach Education Foundation, 2512 George Mason Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23456. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com.

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Published by The Virginian-Pilot from Sep. 20 to Sep. 22, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Irene Korte

6 Entries

Charlie Bowdoin

October 9, 2009

Mrs. Korte's music class was a place of refuge during the challenges of growing up at John B.Dey. She was an inspiration for me to delve into the wonders of Classical music. I will always be grateful for her friendship.

Virginia Caldwell Merritt

September 23, 2009

Irene was a bright spot at Seaside. It was always good to see her smiling face when I went to visit my dad. She was friendly and active there, and usually had a music book in her lap. She also had a cute way of teasing the nurses and aides. She lifted my spirits many times when I stopped to speak with her. The Korte family has been blessed to have had such a wonderful person. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

tracy smith

September 23, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

September 22, 2009

Mrs. Korte was a great teacher. Her love of music and for the children she taught was evident every time I was in music class and chorus. I owe my life long love of music to the passion she shared and the encouragement she provided.

David Schleck

September 21, 2009

Mrs Korte. was very much a bright spot of my time at Alanton in the 1970s. I remember her rolling her music cart into the classroom and playing records on that funny turntable that had a button that lit up/glowed. And how the records had deep grooves to stop the needle in between songs. I remember how Mrs. Korte encouraged me to stick with the 5th-grade chorus when the other boys were making fun of me. She put me in all-city chorus, and formed the "fifth-grade quartet" of which I was a member. My thanks to her, and the friends and family that supported such a wonderful person.

Larry Shackelford

September 20, 2009

Dear Korte Family,

How lucky you were to have such a great lady. Known by many and loved by all.

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