Timothy C. "Tim" Korgie

Timothy C. 'Tim' KorgieJuly 12, 1949-Sept. 25, 2018

After a long struggle with illness, Timothy C. Birkel Korgie passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on Sept. 25, 2018, at Kaiser Permanente Hospital in Harbor City, California.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 3 at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 562 17th Ave. in Columbus. A vigil will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 2 at McKown Funeral Home in Columbus. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday evening at the funeral home, and will continue from 10:30 a.m. until service time on Wednesday morning at St. Anthony Church. Interment will be at Valley View Cemetery in Genoa, with military honors provided by American Legion Hartman Post #84 Honor Guard.

Tim was born on July 12, 1949, in Genoa to Daniel and Claire (Reitz) Birkel. After his father's death on Sept. 25, 1949, his mother later married Robert Korgie and together they raised Tim and his four siblings.

Tim attended St. Anthony's Grade School and Scotus Central Catholic High School, graduating in 1967. In 1969, Tim enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served overseas during the Vietnam War. Upon his honorable discharge, Tim resided in Long Beach, California. He was recognized for his strong work ethic while serving 37 years for Rhodia Chemical Refinery as a welder, pipefitter and foreman. He met and married the love of his life, Kimberly Westby, in Long Beach, California.

Tim enjoyed spending time with friends and family and looked forward to his trips to Nebraska hunting with his brothers, uncles and cousins, and his fishing trips with friends and family. He was a devoted Nebraska football fan. Go Big Red! Tim also enjoyed solving crossword puzzles with his mom and playing ball with Bucky.

Tim is survived by wife Kim Westby Korgie of Long Beach, California; mother Claire D. Korgie of Columbus, sister Michelene (Ray) Pilakowski of Columbus, brother Thomas (Susan) Korgie of Omaha, brother Robert (Dianne) Korgie of Columbus, brother Ronald (Renee) Korgie of Highlands Ranch, Colorado; 12 nieces and nephews, two aunts, one uncle and many cousins and friends. Also, his faithful companion, dog Bucky.

He was preceded in death by father Daniel Birkel, stepfather Robert Korgie, nephew Michael Timothy Pilakowski, grandparents Henry and Elizabeth Reitz, Carl and Alvina Birkel, and Charles and Victoria Korgie.