Rusty Korhonen

Jay "Rusty" Korhonen passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of November 30th after celebrating Thanksgiving with his family. Rusty was born in Chicago, IL on December 27, 1965 to Bert and JoAnn Korhonen. He was a loving brother to Kaari Bloedow. He grew up in Grand Rapids, MI and graduated from Forest Hills Central High School in 1984.
As a young man, Rusty spent many days sailing with his dad on Lake Michigan and skiing with his family in Vail. Some of his favorite memories involve racing the Chicago to Mackinac and plowing through powder in Vail's back bowls. He was an accomplished track and cross-country runner for Forest Hills and The University of Wisconsin, Madison where he earned a total of seven Big10 championships and two national titles. He graduated from Wisconsin in 1989.
Rusty met his wife, Renee, on a blind date in 1990. They connected instantly and were married at St. Anastasia's Catholic Church on November 7, 1992. Shortly thereafter, Rusty converted to Catholicism and was confirmed alongside his wife, Renee. He centered himself around his faith and remained a faithful and convicted Catholic and an active parishioner of Our Lady of the Lakes until he was called home.
Rusty and Renee welcomed two sons, Jay in 1996 and Brandon in 2000. They raised their family in Clarkston and Waterford, MI. Despite working full-time while raising two young boys, he earned an MBA from Michigan State in 2005. He had a long career in IT, sales, and insurance.
While he brought enthusiasm and passion into every aspect of his life, nothing rivaled the devotion he had to his family. He was an involved and inspiring force in his sons' lives. He loved volunteering his time at their schools, St. Joseph's, Our Lady of the Lakes, Orchard Lake St. Mary's, and Hillsdale College, where he endeared himself to the entire community. He jumped at every opportunity to spend time with his sons. For example, he became a swim meet official and cross country coach to participate in Jay and Brandon's competitions. Ironically, his first disqualification was his son, Brandon.
Rusty was an avid fly fisherman and outdoorsman, though his catch seemed to increase in size every time he spoke. He appreciated a good cigar, but not as much as the people he shared them with. Rusty was proud to be inducted into Forest Hills Central Hall of Fame in 2022 for his unbroken records in track and cross-country. He was a story teller that could entertain a crowd with his jokes for days if they'd let him. He brought people together and loved to make them laugh.
True to the way he lived his life, Rusty spent his last days and hours on this earth celebrating Thanksgiving with his family. He made everyone laugh with his jokes, and he enjoyed playing games with his wife and kids. Finally, he treated them all to a lovely dinner in the Smoky Mountains before telling everyone he loved them and drifting off to sleep.
Rusty was a loyal friend to so many. But above all else, Rusty was a loving husband, a devoted father, and a caring son, brother, and uncle. Rusty lives on in the lives of his wife, Renee, sons Jay (Allison) Korhonen and Brandon (Caroline) Korhonen, sister Kaari (Brian) Bloedow, nieces and nephews Tyyne, Jonathan, and Daniel Bloedow, Cole, Jesse, Eli, and Isabella Hernandez, great-niece Adalee Hernandez, and his extended family and friends, all of whom he loved so fiercely. He will be dearly missed.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 11, 2025 from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 5391 Highland Rd, Waterford Township, MI 48327.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, December 12, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church, 5481 Dixie Hwy, Waterford Township, MI 48329. Friends may begin visiting at 9:30am.
Burial will follow in All Saints Cemetery, 4401 Nelsey Rd, Waterford Township, MI 48329.
Afterwards, Rusty's family invites everyone to a luncheon at Our Lady of the Lakes, beginning at 12:15 p.m. Everyone is encouraged to join and share their favorite Rusty stories and memories.