Raymond D. Korthour

Watertown - Raymond D. Korthour, 87, of Mitchell, SD, entered eternal life on Monday, May 12, 2025, at the Jenkins Living Center & Rehab. Funeral services will be at 10:00 AM Friday, May 23, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Mitchell. Private family burial will be at Graceland Cemetery in Mitchell. Arrangements by Bittner Funeral Chapel.

Ray was born March 30, 1938, in Britton, SD to William and Ann (Carro) Korthour. He grew up in the rural Langford, SD area on the family farm. Ray attended grade school in Hickmond Township. He graduated from Langford High School in 1956.

On November 28, 1958, Ray married his high school sweetheart, Andrea Liknes. They lived in Aberdeen while Ray attended the Aberdeen School of Commerce. After completion of school, he was employed at Northwestern Energy in the Aberdeen office. He continued employment with NWE and was later transferred to Webster. In 1971, they moved to Mitchell. He was promoted to Division Manager of the Mitchell area of Northwestern Energy in 1985. Ray retired from the utility company in 1996 after 36 years of employment.

Ray was President of the Abbott House board of directors when the former Eugene Field school was purchased and renovated to the present Abbot House facility. He was also past Presidents of the Mitchell Chamber of Commerce and the Trinity Lutheran Church Council. Ray also served on several boards and committees over the years.

Ray and Ann spent time at their cabin on Pickeral Lake. They enjoyed traveling and spending the winters in Mesa, AZ after retirement. Ray liked trapshooting, hunting, fishing, and treasured the time on the golf course with his sons and grandsons.

Ray is survived by two sons: Todd (Mary) of Shakopee, MN and Troy (Tari) of Watertown, SD, seven grandchildren: Stasha (Matt) Wuest, Matthew Korthour, Megan (Adam) Sturtz, Kyle (Kate) Korthour, T.J. (Logan) Korthour, Trevan (Katie) Korthour, and Riley Korthour. He is also survived by great-granddaughters: Sophia, Frances, Hattie, Leafa, and Ophelia, and great-grandsons: Logan, Knox, and baby boy Korthour arriving in June.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Ann in 2017, son Kurt in 2002, daughter-in-law Marcy in 1996, and sisters Mabel, Louise, Hazel, and Lois.