Dennis Joseph Korman

1946 - 2025

Dennis Joseph Korman, 78, of Cloquet, MN, passed away on Sunday, May 18th, 2025, at Aspirus–St. Luke's Hospital in Duluth, MN. He was surrounded by his wife Rocky, his daughter Katrina, and immediate family and close friends and passed while listening to his favorite music. Dennis was born to Mary and Norbert Korman on December 3rd, 1946, in Litchfield, MN. The oldest of eleven siblings, he was raised in Eden Valley, MN, where he learned the value of hard work from a young age. After graduating from Eden Valley High School in 1964, he went on to achieve a B.A. in English at St. John's University, where he played football for Coach John Gagliardi, even playing on a championship team his sophomore year. Although he was recruited by several professional football teams, he chose to attend law school, graduating with a J.D. from the University of Minnesota School of Law in 1971. During his pre-law years, among other jobs, Dennis worked as a track laborer and brakeman for the Soo Line Railroad, and his love of trains continued throughout his life.
Throughout his 54-year-long legal career, Dennis was a member of several law firms and started his own successful solo practice, which he maintained for 25 years. Although his career focus was family law, he also had considerable experience in municipal law through his work as the assistant city attorney for the City of Cloquet and the city attorney for the Cities of Carlton and Scanlon. He served as the city attorney for the City of Scanlon for 50 years. His successful career included multiple awards, memberships and leadership positions in professional organizations, including the Minnesota Board of Lawyers Professional Responsibility and the Minnesota State and Carlton County Bar Associations.
Dennis was a devoted husband and father, cherishing his time spent with family and friends above all else. He was a voracious lifelong learner, philosopher, and avid reader, even auditing courses at Fond du Lac Tribal & Community College in retirement. His curiosity extended to his many hobbies, including painting, drawing, photography, gardening, canning, and traveling. Dennis remained an athlete throughout his life, enjoying skiing, handball, racquetball, bicycling, and swimming, among other activities.
Dennis is survived by his wife of 42 years, Roxanne Skube Korman, his daughter, Katrina Skube (Russell) Souders, and his daughter Jennifer (Chris) Marsh, and three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brother Dan Korman (Elaine Kauffman) and is survived by his sisters Pat Korman (Mike Eshleman, dec.), Barb (Tim) Hagemeier, and Casey (Jim) Finken and his brothers, Bill (Sue), Tom, Mike (MaryKay), Pete (LouAnn), Paul (Ria), and Jeff (Lynn) Korman. A celebration of life was held at Nelson Funeral Care in Cloquet, MN. Donations in Dennis's name to Justice North Civil Legal Aid are appreciated: 230 W. Superior St., Ste. 200, Duluth, MN, 55802; www.justicenorth.org/donate.