Henry T. “Hank” Korte

Henry T. Korte, nickname “Hank”, 79, of Pierron, IL, died Friday, February 12, 2021, at his home with his family by his side.

Henry was born January 18, 1942 to Henry and Joetta (Nee Kruep) Korte, at St. Joseph Hospital, Highland, IL.  On February 1, 1964 he married Gerry Pacatte at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Pierron, IL.

After his father died when Henry was 15 years old, he took his father’s job at Basler Electric to help his mother provide for his siblings.  He worked there for 3 years then enlisted in the Army and served 2 years in Germany.  He returned home and continued working at Basler Electric for a few more years.  He then went to work at Korte Richter Meats in Highland followed by Neubauer Meat Market as a meat cutter and caterer, where he worked for 28 years until the store closed.

Henry could fix anything, from ceiling fans, to curling irons and appliances.  He was experienced in plumbing, electrical and mechanic repairs.  After Neubauer’s closed, he officially started Henry’s Repair Service and finished his career doing repair and maintenance work.  For nearly 50 years, he was the “maintenance” man at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Pierron, where he was a member.

He was a member and past President of Holy Name Society at Immaculate Conception Church, member of PIC Park and Village of Pierron Board Member.

He loved his family, farming, gardening, fishing, trips with friends and John Deere Tractors. He would have his family and friends over for fish frys and he loved to grill.  He worked for area farmers as much as he could.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Joetta Korte; brother, John Korte; sister, Kay Baudino; nephew, Russell Korte; father and mother-in-law, Bernell and Lorraine Pacatte; brothers-in-law, Bob Baudino, Mike Diesen, and Dave Brauns.

Henry is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Gerry Korte, Pierron, IL; children, Brian H. Korte, Highland, IL, Brenda (Steve) Korte, Pocahontas, IL, Sharla (Erik) Hemann, Breese, IL; grandchildren, Heather (Brian) Drazen, Haylee (Sam) Munie, Tyler (Kaitlin) Korte, Garrett Korte, Cali Detmer, Adam Korte, Colby Detmer; great-grandchildren, Maclin Drazen, Maveric Drazen, Emery Munie; brothers and sisters, Charlie (Jeannie) Korte, Pocahontas, IL, Denny (Mary) Korte, Pocahontas, IL, Delores Diesen, Highland, IL, Kenny (Claire) Korte, San Antonio, TX, Jane (Gene) Plocher, Highland, IL, Joyce (Julian) Thomas, Chippewa Falls, WI, Ray (Lori) Korte, Paris, IL; sisters-in-law, Judy Brauns, Highland, IL and Carol Korte, Edwardsville, IL; many nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to Papaya Youth Group, Masses at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Pierron, IL or Korte Family’s discretion (for area Christian non-profit organizations)

Visitation: Friday, February 19, 2021, from 4:00 to 8:00 pm, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Pierron, IL, and Saturday, February 20, 2021, from 8:00 to 10:00 am, at St. Paul Catholic Church, Highland, IL.

Mass of Christian Burial: Saturday, February 20, 2021, 10:00 am, St. Paul Catholic Church, Highland, IL.

Clergy: Fr. Scott Snider, Pastor, Mother of Dolors Church; Fr. Pat Jakel, Pastor, St. Paul Church; Fr. Paul Bonk, Pastor, Immaculate Conception Church.

Interment: Calvary Cemetery, Pierron, IL

Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL.