Frederick Korb

TRAVERSE CITY — Frederick LaVern Korb, 96, of Traverse City, passed away peacefully Friday, Dec. 23, 2011, at Munson Hospice House. Fred was born on March 20, 1915, in Traverse City to the late Stephen and Hazel (Ramsey) Korb. On Feb. 22, 1941, Fred married Dorothy A. Srackangast who passed away in 2010. Fred answered the call of our nation on Nov. 30, 1942, when he enlisted with the United States Army. He served in the 101st Airborne Division (glider) in Normandy, Ardennnes and in the Rhineland. He was also a member of the Army Band, and played the trombone. Fred was honorably discharged on Nov. 22, 1945. His love for his country remained strong after the war and he became a member of the Cherryland VFW Post #2780 and the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge Chapter 23. Fred began his career with Graham Electric. He later began working at Max's Service and retired after 25 years with the company. When he wasn't working he loved to entertain. While in the Army he played the trombone, and that love of music only grew as he got older. In addition to the trombone he played the sax, violin, piano, round-saw-blade xylophone and carpenter saws including a six-foot cross-cut saw. He was a member of the Rythmeers, which played Big Band music, and the Boardman Valley Ramblers. He and his wife Dorothy often played at nursing homes around our community. In addition to music, Fred loved spending time with his family. He was a devoted member of St. Francis Catholic Church, the VFW, the American Legion and the Knights of Columbus. Fred also was a carpenter and built homes from the ground up. Fred was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy; son Fred; parents; brother Donald; and sisters Margaret Onstott and Betty Paauwe. Fred is survived by his children, LaVern R. (Donna) Korb, of Arcata, Calif., Richard L. (Jody) Korb, of Ipswich, Mass., and Victoria T. (Mike) Anderson, of Friendship, Wisc.; nine grandchildren; 16½ great-grandchildren; and sister Mary Korb of the Sisters of Mercy. On Tuesday, Dec. 27, at 3 p.m., Sister Katherine Murphy will lead the Rosary at the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home followed by visitation until 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 28, at 11 a.m. at St. Francis Catholic Church.Interment will follow at Oakwood Catholic Cemetery with full military honors provided by VFW Cherryland Post #2780. Memorial contributions may be directed to Munson Hospice or to the Father Fred Foundation in memory of Fred. Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your thoughts and memories with the family. The family is being served by Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home.

Frederick Korb

December 23, 2011