Michael S. Kortebein Obituary
He also never met a dumpling he didn't like, though his mother Ormel's "cannonballs" were his favorite.
Mike was a proud grandfather of two, Max and Malak, and often, especially when they were young, took them for a walk or to drown a worm, his term for fishing.
Mike's first love, though, was God, and that love directed his life. From his tenure with the telephone company — a job he absolutely loved for more than 40 years — to his marriage of nearly 59 years to his beloved Sondra, to his raising of five children Jon, Paul, Lisa, Daniel and Jill — Saturdays were meant for "rassling" and "whiskering us off"— to sharing Bible study with his friends, to volunteering to feed the hungry with The Gathering and WAFER. Mike was the cool uncle with a black Impala, white T-shirt and a cigarette (it was the 60s). Mike was a devoted servant of the Lord, and was eager to meet him at his passing. He knew that God had a place for him in his house with many rooms and would welcome him with: Well done, my good and faithful servant.
If you ever asked him how he was doing, he would be ready with a quip, usually: Able to sit up and take nourishment or Better than I deserve. And his wisdom was apparent, as he told us not to worry because: Worrying is like paying interest on a debt that will never come due. During football season, you might have found Mike watching the Badgers or Packers with an adult beverage or Pepsi … no ice.
Michael was preceded in death by his son Daniel, and is survived by his wife Sondra (née Buckman), children Jon and his wife Sandy (née Carlson), Paul and his wife Kristie (née Ellickson), Lisa and Jill, grandchildren Max and Malak, and his sister Judy Benedict.
Join us for a final farewell to Michael at Bethany Church in La Crosse, WI, on Saturday, September 13, at 1:30 p.m.; visitation at 1:00 p.m., with fellowship following the service. Light snacks, desserts and beverages will be served.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Gathering of Southeast Wisconsin or WAFER.
