By Jim Meridith
Posted: Updated:
3 Comments
  • Visitation

    Tuesday, May 13, 2025

    from 5:00 to 8:00 pm

    and Wednesday, May 14, 2025

    from 9:00 to 10:00 am

    all at 1st United Methodist Church, Lebanon, IL.

  • Service

    Wednesday, May 14, 2025

    10:00 am

    1st United Methodist Church, Lebanon, IL.

  • Full Obituary

    Kay E. Korte, 78, of Lebanon, IL, passed away May 9, 2025, at St. Elizabeth Hospital, Shiloh, IL, Friday.

    She was born July 24, 1946, to Clarence A. and Ethel (Nee Young) Henning, in Highland, IL.  On October 2, 1970, she married Sy Korte, Jr. in Edwardsville, IL.

    Kay was a loving wife to Sy for over 54 years, a devoted mother to Derek and Leah, and a doting grandmother to Evan, Spencer, Adam, Allison, and Joseph.

    She dedicated 25 years to teaching third grade in the Triad School District, where she also served as the TEA union president for six years. Kay was a longtime member and past president of Delta Kappa Gamma, an International Society for Key Women Educators.

    Her commitment to service extended deeply into her faith community at First United Methodist Church in Lebanon. Beginning in the mid-1980s, she taught Sunday School to high schoolers. She wanted her children to know the Bible and love the Lord. Kay continued to lead a variety of classes, Bible studies, small groups, and youth mission trips for decades.

    Kay felt called to feed the children of Lebanon and Summerfield during the summer. Under her leadership, the churches in the community launched the Grab ’N Go summer lunch program. She also gave her time to the Lebanon Food Pantry.

    Her faith is a true legacy, reflected in the countless lives she touched. Kay was always quick to share her famous chocolate chip cookies, earning the love and admiration of many high schoolers who affectionately called her "Nana."

    Her family finds peace in the promise that she will one day rise again, in perfect bodily form, with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

    Kay was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Ethel Henning; her sister, Carol Taake.

    She is survived by her husband, Sy Korte, Jr., Lebanon, IL; children, Derek (Jennifer) Korte, Fenton, MI, Leah (Jeremy) Corbitt, Lebanon, IL; grandchildren, Evan (Brigitte) Korte, Spencer Korte, Adam (Erin) Korte, Allison and Joseph Corbitt; one great-grandchild on the way; brother, Donald (Lynn) Henning, St. Louis, MO; brother-in-law, Terry Taake, Troy, IL; nieces and nephews.

    Memorials may be made to Lebanon Food Pantry or 1st United Methodist Church, Lebanon, IL.

    Visitation: Tuesday, May 13, 2025, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm and Wednesday, May 14, 2025, from 9:00 to 10:00 am all at 1st United Methodist Church, Lebanon.

    Funeral: Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 10:00 am at 1st United Methodist Church.

    Clergy: Rev. Kim Hagedorn, Pastor.

    Interment: College Hill Cemetery.

    Meridith Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL

Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

3 Condolences
 
  1. Pat C Suydam / May 11, 2025 at 12:37 pm

    Kay was a special friend. She always had a smile on her face.
    I’m going to miss her immensely.
    My condolences to Sy and his family.
    Love to all of you.

  2. Sally Whiteman / May 11, 2025 at 6:18 pm

    We raised our kids Derek and our Katie for a few years when we lived in Lebanon. Derek and Kay came to Katie’s first birthday party. I always admired Kay as she was such a great friend and in church friend. We attended many functions together and it’s unbelievable that this has happened. Heaven is blessed by her presence♥️🙏🏻

  3. Hannah Krumsieg / May 11, 2025 at 10:13 pm

    Nana has positively influenced so many people and I know she will continue to. From the way she lived to the way people will continue to share memories about her, she will always be an inspirational and admirable woman. I remember growing up with Allison and Joseph and Nana would take us out to lunch and treated me and my siblings just like her grandchildren. She loved our costumes when we would stop by for Halloween and always had goodie bags for us. She presented herself as a humble servant at her church and I have always admired her dedication (especially helping out with VBS). I am so thankful for her presence in Allison’s life and all of her grandchildren’s lives. She really was their biggest fan and loved to be there for them! She allowed God to shine His light through her to each of her grandchildren, family members, and everyone she met.

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