Leonard Korgie

PEORIA - Leonard F. Korgie, 85, of Peoria died on Sunday, Sept. 6, 2009, at 2:45 p.m. at Proctor Community Hospital.

He was born June 30, 1924, in Columbus, Neb., to Frank and Mary Burke Korgie. He married Jean Demichelis on Nov. 28, 1953, in Cherry, Ill. She died Oct. 1, 2008, in Peoria.

One son, David, also preceded him in death.

Surviving are two daughters, Kimberly Korgie of Fayettville, N.C., and Susan (Stephen) Henne of St. Charles, Ill.; one sister, Pauline Caffrey of Fort Collins, Colo.; and three grandchildren, Cassandra Hockman, David Henne and Natalie Henne. Three people who meant a great deal to Len and his family, Mrs. Lisa Flaugher, Lisa Flaugher and Matthew Flaugher, also survive.

Leonard was a teacher at Richwoods High School in Peoria for 33 years, where he was voted Teacher of the Year for 1981 and 1983. He also served on various committees during his years there.

Len was a Cum Laude graduate of the University of Notre Dame, and received his Master's Degree from the University of Illinois. He remained an avid N.D. fan all of his life.

Len served in the U.S. Army from 1948 to 1950, reaching Sgt. 1st Class. He served 13 months in combat and was awarded the Combat Infantry Man's Badge, the Purple Heart, 5 Bronze Stars, and one Silver Star for meritorious bravery in combat. He was also awarded the Good Conduct Medal.

He was a member of St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus 3rd Degree, AMVETS and the American Legion.

A funeral Mass will be on Friday at 11 a.m. at his church, with the Rev. Dustin Schultz officiating. Visitation will be Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m. at Wright & Salmon Mortuary, with a rosary at 5:45 p.m. Further visitation will be half an hour prior to the Mass on Friday at the church. Entombment will be in Resurrection Mausoleum. Military rites will be accorded.

Memorials may be made to Canine Companions for Independents, P.O. Box 446, Santa Rosa, CA 95402-0446.

Tributes and condolences may be submitted to www.wrightandsalmon.com.