Gary A. Korba

Your heart soon will be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Kathy and I express our sincere sympathy to Nancy and family on the loss of their dear Gary, who I know loved his family deeply.

Gary joined 3M Analytical shortly after I did, the two of us being the first hires in an effort by our manager John Leys to expand surface analysis within Analytical. Gary became the ESCA guy, I became the AUGER guy. We kiddingly referred to ourselves as Mel and Marv. Gary, in his own words, was Marvin Gardens.

I remember Gary as dedicated and enthusiastic. He became, in short order, a force both inside and outside of 3M. By his own admission Gary didn't handle well a dry run for a technical talk, claiming he really needed to be "up for it". But oh boy, did he come through for the actual talk. When winging it he was always amazingly articulate. Gary was also articulate in less formal settings, such as 3M Visiting Wizards, which he loved doing.

I also knew Gary as a man of faith, trusting in Jesus for his salvation. He is now experiencing what "eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for those who love Him (1 Cor 2:9)"

By the time I joined 3M´s Corporate Analytical Laboratory, Gary was well into his 3M career. Gary´s pioneering development of surface analysis methods provided critical support for a wide variety 3M products, and Gary "owned the problems" of our 3M division customers. Gary´s knowledge of what other analytical methods could do allowed him to effectively assemble teams and creatively solve research and production problems in thorough and timely fashion. He helped me and others learn some of those skills of collaboration, negotiation, and communication as they applied to solving 3M technical problems.

Gary´s quick wit helped put others at ease, and he seldom was at a loss for words. He was great at giving simple, understandable reports so that our customer-colleagues could use the information to solve their issue.

Gary, Robin Sinclair, and I shared several years meeting every Friday morning, working on a "15 percent time" project that took years to succeed. It was a special part of my time at 3M.

Faith and family were obviously important to Gary, and I have tried to take to heart the motto on his cubicle that read "Never Postpone Joy". Gary´s faith in God was tangible, and now it´s sight.

Sorry that I´m out of the country, and I´ll be unable to attend Gary´s memorial service.

Mark Mueller

I first met Gary at 3M around 1997 when I was a new employee. He introduced a groundbreaking technology to my lab for testing, which sparked a collaboration that lasted several years and resulted in some of my most cherished work memories. Later, I had the privilege of watching him deliver a Visiting Wizards talk to a group of new 3M employees. His ability to explain complex scientific concepts in an accessible manner truly showcased his exceptional teaching skills. Gary was always kind, approachable, and generous with his knowledge. His impact on generations of 3M scientists, myself included, was profound. My deepest sympathies go out to his wife and family.

Working with Gary was a highlight of my 3M career. On my first day of work, as I wandered lost in Building 201, it was Gary who found me and led me to the surface lab. His enthusiasm was contagious. His ability to communicate was unsurpassed. He was a great mentor and role model. He talked often of his family and loved them dearly. Nancy and family, heartfelt condolences. I hope you will take comfort in knowing that Gary made a difference in my life and in the lives of many others.

It was a pleasure to work with Gary in Corporate Analytical - he brought joy to everything he did. His historical perspective and his patient teaching of surface science were invaluable to me. It was always clear that family was his greatest love of all. I hope that the many memories you created together bring you comfort and peace.

Colleen Nagel (3M - CRAL)

Gary was one of the first colleagues to welcome me to the Analytical Department at 3M. He was so positive, energetic, and a great team player. I never forgot Gary and how he helped shape and launch my successful career in CRL. We lost a great man. Thanks for so many memories Gary !

Gary was a positive, energetic colleague and enthusiastic speaker, and was go-to host for just about every tour that came through our lab at 3M. He was free with advice and suggestions, and a great support to many of us. I can still hear him saying "Well, you know..." before launching into a science history lesson or two.
I raise a mug of coffee to him, grateful for having known him.

The Korba family. Sending sympathy on the death of Gary. I knew his mother and know his brother Tom
God bless all of you.
Elaine Sohlo (a resident of Oak Meadows)