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BORN
1946
DIED
2025
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Kay Korte Obituary
July 24, 1946 - May 9, 2025
Lebanon, Illinois - Kay E. Korte, 78, of Lebanon, IL, passed away Friday, May 9, 2025, at St. Elizabeth Hospital, Shiloh, IL.
She was born July 24, 1946, to Clarence A. and Ethel (Nee Young) Henning, in Highland, IL. On October 2, 1970, she married Sy Korte, Jr. in Edwardsville, IL.
Kay was a loving wife to Sy for over 54 years, a devoted mother to Derek and Leah, and a doting grandmother to Evan, Spencer, Adam, Allison, and Joseph.
She dedicated 25 years to teaching third grade in the Triad School District, where she also served as the TEA union president for six years. Kay was a longtime member and past president of Delta Kappa Gamma, an International Society for Key Women Educators.
Her commitment to service extended deeply into her faith community at First United Methodist Church in Lebanon. Beginning in the mid-1980s, she taught Sunday School to high schoolers. She wanted her children to know the Bible and love the Lord. Kay continued to lead a variety of classes, Bible studies, small groups, and youth mission trips for decades.
Kay felt called to feed the children of Lebanon and Summerfield during the summer. Under her leadership, the churches in the community launched the Grab 'N Go summer lunch program. She also gave her time to the Lebanon Food Pantry.
Her faith is a true legacy, reflected in the countless lives she touched. Kay was always quick to share her famous chocolate chip cookies, earning the love and admiration of many high schoolers who affectionately called her "Nana."
Her family finds peace in the promise that she will one day rise again, in perfect bodily form, with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Kay was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Ethel Henning; her sister, Carol Taake.
She is survived by her husband, Sy Korte, Jr., Lebanon, IL; children, Derek (Jennifer) Korte, Fenton, MI, Leah (Jeremy) Corbitt, Lebanon, IL; grandchildren, Evan (Brigitte) Korte, Spencer Korte, Adam (Erin) Korte, Allison and Joseph Corbitt; one great-grandchild on the way; brother, Donald (Lynn) Henning, St. Louis, MO; brother-in-law, Terry Taake, Troy, IL; nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to Lebanon Food Pantry or 1st United Methodist Church, Lebanon, IL.
Visitation: Tuesday, May 13, 2025, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm and Wednesday, May 14, 2025, from 9:00 to 10:00 am all at 1st United Methodist Church, Lebanon.
Funeral: Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 10:00 am at 1st United Methodist Church.
Clergy: Rev. Kim Hagedorn, Pastor.
Interment: College Hill Cemetery.
Meridith Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kay Korte
Sponsored by Belleville News-Democrat.
1 Entry
Rita Brandt
May 14, 2025
I am so sorry to learn of Kay's passing. She was a lovely lady and I enjoyed working with her on a number of committees during our teaching careers. My sympathy and prayers are extended to the family. Rita
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Meridith Funeral Home, P.C. - Lebanon317 W. St. Louis St., Lebanon, IL 62254
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