"Harvey Korb was an outstanding intelligent individual, I had the privilege to get to know while teaching in Southern Minnesota. My thoughts go out to the Korb family."
In loving memory of
Harvey Korb
June 22, 1928 - December 20, 2018
Harvey Korb lived a life rich in family and service to others. A natural leader, Harvey carried himself with dignity and discipline, integrity and honor, vision and generosity. He believed in the goodness of others and the importance of clear, consistent expectations generated from a desire to inspire others to their very best selves. A devoted father, grandfather, teacher, and mentor, Harvey was a living role model for many. Harvey's legacy will long live in the hearts of those he loved.
1928 continued to ride the decade's roaring wave of peace, prosperity, and hope. The nation celebrated the recent inventions of Penicillin, the iron lung, bubble gum, and the Yo-Yo, as well as Charles Lindbergh's Congressional Medal of Honor and Amelia Earhart becoming the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic. As the wave of sweeping social and economic growth rapidly increased nowhere was there more hope for the future than in the Calio, ND farmhouse of Anna (Janowski) and Peter Korb as they welcomed their third child and only son, Harvey into their family on June 22.
Harvey grew up on a 640-acre farm that his father rented for about 20 years until shortly after the Depression when his parents bought the property in 1942. The house only had three rooms, a long shanty entry, and a screened porch on the back. The cellar's dirt floor was always cool and the family stored root vegetables there throughout the year. Though the Depression weighed heavy on the family, they had good neighbors and everyone helped each other get by. There was no money exchanged, just generosity, goodwill, and a determination that together they would all make it through the dark time. Harvey and his two older sisters slept in a bed in the front room next to the parlor stove. During the summer months, they moved out onto the back porch which was always a real treat. The home didn't have clothes closets just a singular simple four-drawer dresser for the entire family. As the nearest neighbors lived a mile away, the Korb children grew to be friends as well as siblings.
In 1938 Harvey's 13 year old sister Jeanette died at home from rheumatic fever. He first learned she had passed away when, from his seat in the schoolroom, he heard the bell toll in the church tower.
Harvey attended school through the eighth grade in Calio which was three miles from the farm, and where his sister Ethel and his Aunt Olivia were his teachers. Several times during the winter when the weather was too bad for travel, he and his sisters stayed with their grandmother near the school. They made lard sandwiches for their lunches and stored them in the school windowsill until it was time to eat. He long recalled how his grandma required them to wear socks over their shoes in her house because she didn't want the oil from the schoolroom floors to mark up her floor.
For his high school education, Harvey attended ninth through twelfth grade in Egeland, ND which was six miles from the farm. During the rough winters, Harvey stayed with the family of the town barber. Deeply committed to their children's education, Harvey's parents paid 20 dollars a month per child to stay at the barber's home.
After graduating from Egeland High School, Harvey attended North Dakota State University in Fargo, North Dakota from 1946-1950. He liked to have things in their place and one night got up in the wee hours to straighten up after his roommates. He worked in the campus cafeteria and fondly remembered after the kitchen was cleaned up, the cook would bring out the leftover cream pies for the workers to eat. This time in the lunchroom strengthened Harvey's belief in the importance that everyone "clean up after themselves". During his four years of college, Harvey majored in chemistry, biology and life science. He also earned a minor in psychology. He was absent from classes in the Spring to help with livestock on the home farm, but quickly caught up with the help of roommates on his return to classes. Harvey completed his student teaching in Lamoure, ND.
In 1950 Harvey married Clara Hoffart and began his teaching career in Napoleon, ND where he taught Adult Agriculture to military veterans. While living in Napoleon, Harvey and Clara were blessed with the births of their first two children, Marcia and Carroll.
In the fall of 1953, Harvey moved his family to Westbrook, MN where they made their home in an upstairs rental apartment. While in Westbrook, Harvey found work as a substitute teacher and worked for Minnesota Valley Breeders as artificial inseminator for dairy cows. The family grew to include two more children when Mark and Marge were born.
1956 brought a move to Butterfield, MN. They lived first in a farmhouse and then purchased a home in town. Here the family continued to grow when Mary and Laura were born. Mr. Korb took his first public high school teaching position where he taught chemistry, biology and vocational agriculture. After living in Butterfield for nearly ten years, in 1965 the family moved to St. Charles where daughter Jyll was born.
While Mr. Korb primarily taught through his actions, he did have a few mantras he regularly espoused. He believed it was crucial to "show respect to everyone regardless of race, color or creed; they are all people and have good qualities; you can't always judge a book by its cover." He believed that all people should be treated as equals and often referenced a quote from the movie, South Pacific, "You have to be taught before it's too late before you are six or seven or eight." Mr. Korb encouraged others to "appreciate every day that you have; you never know what tomorrow will bring" and that it was important to leave things better than the way they were found. Mr. Korb was quick to pick up on inconsistencies between what someone said and their behavior or body language, "your actions speak so loudly, I can't hear what you are saying." Harvey possessed a keen sense of discernment about an individual's character within seconds of meeting them. He had respect for people of all social status. He was especially sensitive and aware of service workers and was quick to identify with them and support them.
A teacher of agriculture, life science, biology and chemistry, Mr. Korb also served as the advisor of the Future Farmers of America (FFA). A diligent teacher, he recreated his lessons each year to make sure the material was fresh. He never used the same quiz or test more than once. He wore a suit and tie every day, both during the school day and at extracurricular events. He was an example of, "the way you look matters." He was a strict disciplinarian in the classroom. He made it clear that "If I send you out of class you can come back. If you leave on your own it will be tougher to get back in." Mr. Korb's expectations were high and his students had the desire to meet them. His signature raised eyebrow was his unspoken method of getting your attention. His classrooms were organized and clutter free. His belief in his students was unwavering as evidenced in his generous encouragement and praise. Parents might get a hand written, personal note mailed to the home to complement their son or daughter's initiative and accomplishments.
For a number of years, Mr. Korb served as the assistant principal. Both in the classroom and as an administrator, he had a vested interest in all aspects of the school culture. He influenced students in life skills such as respect, accountability, and integrity in addition to their academic achievements. Many students sought his advice, and many new teachers learned effective classroom management under his mentorship. Over the years, former students stopped to see Mr. Korb upon returning home to visit their families.
Harvey was never one to be idle and always kept busy. Snow days and Holiday breaks would find him completing projects at home or for others. An example is painting the hallways and classrooms at the High School. Summers were spent as a painter. Over the years he employed his children so they could earn money for college. They painted houses, barns, corn cribs and other out buildings. He continued with indoor painting and wallpapering long after retiring from his career in education in 1990.
Harvey's heart was always centered on living a life of service. He was an active member of the St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church as a Eucharistic Minister. He was an amateur carpenter and was involved in building Christmas scenes for the church and many stage sets for school plays and proms.
Harvey enjoyed working as a Dayton's Shopper. In the process of critiquing sales personnel, he had the added benefit of being able to gift shop for his family. He had a good eye for quality and knew what styles were in fashion.
Harvey's family was very important to him and he loved being in the comforts of his own home. Every year he sent a Valentine card and gift of personal significance to each of his five daughters. He was quite a baker and would get up at 4 a.m. to start the process of raising dough to make caramel rolls. In addition to family get-togethers, he took dozens of rolls to his office at school and also shared with staff at local businesses. Following his son Mark's death, the family spent Sundays together at Harvey's home where he prepared fried chicken or roast beef and all the fixings. Grandpa Harvey loved babies. He was at his most content with holding a grand or great-grand baby to his shoulder rocking and patting the baby to sleep. Harvey relished in the treasured time with those he loved. When asked by his children "What's your biggest worry, Dad?" He unhesitatingly answered, "That you're ok."
Following retirement, Harvey developed an interest in world travel and visited many countries. He journaled carefully and each trip had pictures and notes about the land, architecture, foods and cultures.
Harvey's home was important to him. He enjoyed gardening and took great care and pride in his rose garden and flowerbeds which were a colorful fixture on Church Avenue. He was fastidious about yard care and was often inspired to move the sprinkler in the middle of the night while clad in only his briefs. He enjoyed caring for and riding his horse, Penny. Giving his grandchildren rides on Penny was a special time for both Harvey and rider.
Harvey will be missed. May it give you comfort to know that anytime we wear a tie, insist on being our best, give of our time and talents, or pick out a paint color for our home, we celebrate his legacy in our own lives. In this way, we ensure that his spirit continues to inspire others as he inspired us.
Harvey Ernest Korb, 90, of St. Charles, died Thursday, December 20, 2018, at Cottagewood Senior Communities in Rochester.
Harvey is survived by his children; Marcia (Dave) Morrill of Rochester, MN; Carroll (Dennyce) Korb of Rapid City, SD; Marge (George) McIntire of St. Charles, MN; Mary Abbott of Rochester, MN; Laura (Scott) Johnston of San Carlos, CA; Jyll (Mike) Buringa of St. Charles; Grandchildren Mical (Jon) Peterson of Richfield, MN; Dana (Josh) Asleson of Rochester, MN; Melissa (Rob Dempsey) Korb of Houston, TX; Tamara (Mark) Schroeher of Minneapolis, MN; Brian (Elle) McIntire of St. Charles, MN; Amanda Vermilya of Rochester, MN; Erin Abbott of Antigo, WI; Whitney (Ian) Prock of Minneapolis, MN; Adrian Abbott of Eau Claire, WI; Peter, Benjamin and Adam Johnston of San Carlos, CA; Laura Buringa of Rochester, MN; Mark, Emilee and Grace Buringa of St. Charles, MN; 12 great-grandchildren; sisters, Eileen Beck and Sister Maris Stella Korb. In addition to his parents, Harvey was preceded in death by his sisters Jeanette Korb and Ethel (Vincent) Hettwer, and his son Mark Korb.
A Funeral Mass for Harvey will be 11 a.m. Monday, December 31, 2018, at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in St. Charles, with the Reverend Tim Biren officiating. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery. Friends may call at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church from 2-5 p.m. Sunday, December 30, 2018, and one hour before services on Monday. Please share a memory of Harvey at his online guestbook and view his video tribute at www.hofffuneral.com. Hoff Funeral Service of St. Charles is assisting the family with arrangements.
Memorials are preferred to St. Charles Foundation for Academic Excellence, in lieu of flowers. https//givemn.org/St-Charles-Foundation-For-Academic-Excellence
Pallbearers : Mical Peterson, Melissa Korb, Brian McIntire, Erin Abbott, Peter Johnston, Laura Buringa.
Tributes
""Mr Korb" out of respect I could never call him Harvey. He was a Hugh impact on my life. In fact when things were shakey at my home he offered me a place at his! From winning second place in the state of Mn FFA parliamentary contest to collecting corn to sell for camp courage Mr Korb was an inspiration for all who knew him. From the first day in his class you knew you had to tow the line but as time went on his big heart was revealed. Of all the people who have come into my life Mr Korb has had the biggest impact on me. He is the reason I went on to college after my military service to study agriculture and work in that field until I retired four years ago. Remember " It's not want you say, it's how you say it !" RIP Mr Korb"
"Harvey, thank you! Thank you for teaching me "What Matters"! You taught me Chemistry in school but more importantly you taught me "What Matters" in living a rewarding life including: 1. Respect Matters! 2. Discipline Matters! 3. Pride in your work Matters! 4. Work Ethic Matters! 5. Organization Matters! 6. Humor Matters! 7. Being Grateful Matters! 8. Loving Matters! 9. Doing the right thing Matters! 10. Being a good friend and positive role model matters! Thank you for making "The Difference" for so many students, staff, and community members! Thanks for being a great teacher for teaching us all "What Matters' in life! Dave Thompson "
"Eileen Beck As a sister,and in our youth, we made hay together ,rode the binders during harvest time--singing along as we went with Dad driving the tractor to pull the binders. We would walk to school when the men were busy in the fields--many times meeting cousins along the way. And you would make me carry your books !! Well, not all the time.Some times we rode a horse to school too (3 miles) and left it in the barn in town at our Grandpa Korbs. So many memories ----Rest in peace !"
"Looking through the posted pictures, this man had a wonderful family and beautiful life. He will be remembered with many fond memories. May he Rest In Peace."
"As I look at Harvey's portrait, it is exactly as I remember him. Tears came to my eyes as I read his amazing, beautiful, complete, dignified, and exemplary life story, an example of a life well lived and enjoyed! I'll always remember the good times when our families visited each other at our farms. Rest in peace!"
"I have so many fond memories of Harvey...I think it was his welcoming smile which drew folks to him. I was an ag teacher at Hayfield while Harvey was teaching in St. Charles, so we worked together on many events, meetings, and contests over the years. He was certainly a great example of a "Class Guy"! May God bless the many great memories you have of Harvey! Frank Moon Hayfield, MN"
"Sending prayers and condolences to all of the Korb family. My mother, Ethel Hettwer, shared some of the same memories noted in his obituary with us. She would have tears in her eyes discussing the death of their sister, Jeanette. She discussed teaching Harvey in school at the one room school house and all of us Hettwer kids loved coming home from school to hot, fresh caramel rolls. On one of her visits to Harvey's place in St. Charles she brought back a recipe for "Hong Kong" pork chops. We will be enjoying this recipe tonight with our own family and we will think of the long legacy he leaves behind in all of you. May God bless and keep each of you in his care. Theresa Hettwer Schober, Grand Forks, ND "
"They dont come any better than Harvey korb... He raised a beautiful family, and one of the best teachers St.charles ever had... Rest in peace Mr.Korb.. Thinking of you all..."
"I had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Korb as a teacher, class play set leader and as advisor for our school organizations like FFA. What a gift he was to our high school. I so respected his ideas for us. Prayers for the family. "
"I always called him Mr Korb as he deserved that respect as a teacher. Loved his family values and his guidance. I remember him calling me in his office to discuss an issue and I left there in happy Tears. He made me smile and I will always remember that most of all. Jm and I send our condolences to the family especially Marcia and Carroll as they were our friends also. Donna and Jim Meyer"
"This is Maurine Olson in Kenyon. My deceased husband was high school principal here. And, as high school principal, this is how we met Harvey in Butterfield, MN over 50 years ago. One never forgets Harvey! I love that photo - I still have Clara's blueberry dessert recipe in her handwriting! Back then, teachers wore many hats, and it sounds like that didn't change. Personally, I was in awe of his skills behind the sewing machine, whipping out draperies and curtains. I have thought of Harvey often through the years, and our paths would cross at basketball games, and they've been here and we've been guests in St. Charles. I would make a point to connect when I had speech contest events in St. Charles, or after our hiking trips at Whitewater. I can hear his voice and laugh and see his gestures! He is a legend, a treasure. Grace, peace, blessings - to a large, wonderful family. "
"Condolences to all the Korb family. Harvey definitely left his mark on a lot of our hearts. May he rest in peace."
"Marcia and family, There are so many previous memories that came flooding back as I read your father's obit. I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. May your previous memories sustain you during this sad time and the days that lay ahead!"
"So many memories of Harvey and the Korb family! Before I could drive, I rode to school with the Korbs every morning. It must have looked like a clown car as we all piled out! I remember the eyebrow (Marcia does it very well too) and "50 fits". Only 3 people know that he saved the gym floor from water damage before Prom 1968 with the chewed gum he had in his mouth. Whew! He was a wonderful teacher and role model and truly one of a kind! God Bless his memory. "
"A wonderful person with a great sense of humor. My condolences to the family"
"Mr.Korb was my favorite teacher in highschool and of course we all remember the smirk, humor and eyebrow. He taught hardwork and respect to everyone. My memories are when he was our junior class advisor and he helped us with prom... the hours we spent with him in the gym and making sure we had the specific number of twists in the crepe paper was an experience! After we spent more time with him, he taught us how to make dill pickles and let me borrow his car many times to drive down to do a quick bakery run for donuts during school hours! He will be truly missed! He has raised such a beautiful, close family and my condolences to all of you! "
"Harvey was a GREAT TEACHER and a super neighbor. He was a big part of my youth. I admired and respected him 100%. There needs to be more like him in the world..."
"To the Korb family, I am 60 years old and I will always think of your Dad as Mr. Korb. That eye brow and that humor will be a lasting memory. We were amazed that our parents became great friends with your Dad in the past ten years. We would hear about the weekly rides to Mass and the neighborhood visits. Not sure how he kept his composure as much as I talked in his classes. He was a treasure and one of my fondest memories of high school. Blessings to all of you. Harvey truly fought the good fight, He finished the course, He kept the faith. "
"It is very clear that Mr Korb has left an indelible impression on many generations of students. He commanded respect, and could change the atmosphere in a classroom with a raise of a gravity-defying eyebrow. That respect worked both ways; while he never tried to be chummy, he very obviously cared about his students. His energy and sense of humor and above all, tremendous commitment to fairness-tempered-with-compassion (without ever loosening his tie, no matter how hot it was) is how I will remember him. Every condolence to those closest to him. "
"My prayers and sympathy to all of Mr. Korb's family. I wish I would have had the honor of being a student of his! However, I certainly did enjoy the visits we had. Rest in peace."
"My condolences to the Korb family. I was happy to have run into him at St Pius church one day last fall at mass. He was taking the shuttle back to the campus so he didn't have much time to talk, but it was heart warming to see him. He was a great teacher. I will always remember how he raised one eye brow if you said something that he would question. Just for fun when going down the hallway he could kick you in the backside with the side of his foot, without slowing down......and say good morning. :-) He can now have some much awaited conversations with Mark who passed more than 35 years ago. God Bless you Harvey!!"
"Mr. Korb had a sincere drive with each and every endeavor. A true role model for all. Marie Slavin Cranor, SCHS class of 1970."
"Harvey touched many lives in a positive way through his teaching. You never forget a teacher like Mr. Korb. He treated you fairly but expected the best from all his students. I was fortunate to see him a few times the past few years when he was living at Riverbend. Although age had taken some things from him it certainly did not take his wit and dry humor. His colorful socks put a smile on everyones face. Peace to the family."
"Mr. Korb was a huge influence in the lives of so many of us who were lucky enough to have him as a teacher and friend. May God bless all of you who mourn him with the happiest memories if his big smile, hearty laugh and raised eyebrow."
"I did not call Mr. Korb ? Harvey until I was 50 years old, a sign of respect. Mr. Korb taught everyone of his students the importance of respect, especially to each other. Our condolences to his family and thank you for sharing your Dad with us. "
"My thoughts and prayers are with the Korb family in this time of your loss. I am honored and humbled to have known Harvey. Could not have made it through High School without him. My memories of our conversations at the cemetery where he cared for Marks plot and my family's as well are priceless.. Blessings"
"My prayers are with the family. It was an honor being one of his students and he had a unique sense of humor. Brian Richter"
"I am sorry for your loss. Harvey was always a joy to talk to. I am glad I was able to chat with him when I came back for my mother's funeral. He will be missed. Richard Brownell"
"Prayers for the Korb family. Mr. Krob left a positive impression on not only his students but also the community. RIP"
"So sorry to hear of Mr. Korb's passing. I loved his stern, disciplined but also caring style. He was one of my favorites for sure!! "
"Thoughts are with the Korb family, Harvey was one of my favorite teachers, had a lot of fond memories of him."
"My condolences to the entire Korb family. I think many people have very fond memories of him. I can remember what his office at the high school looked like to a T. I know he loved his profession. Thinking of you all, hoping all your special memories get you through this difficult time. "
"Rest in peace Mr Korb. Sending thoughts and prayers to the family. He was a wonderful teacher. Will be miss but have great memories of him. "
"Condolences to Harvey?s family. Harvey was a great teacher to all the student he had in his career. He had a quick wit and wry sense of humor. God bless Harvey and his family."
"My sympathy to the Korb family. Harvey was truly one of the best!"
"My deep condolences to the Korb family. Harvey was a mentor and friend to so many of us in St. Charles and in our family. His energy, interest and wry sense of humor always made him good fun to be around. He added so much to the community and touched so many lives."
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Harvey's entire family. What a truly amazing man! I will always remember Harvey for his sense of humor and the smile on his face. He was one of the kindest men I have ever known. RIP "
"My thoughts and prayers are with you all in this difficult time. RIP "
"Great teacher that raised an amazing family. "
"Thoughts and prayers to you and your family in this difficult time. Your dad was a good man and one of my favorite teachers"
"My condolences to the Korb family. Harvey was a great teacher and a wonderful person. May he rest in peace."
"Harvey Korb was an amazing educator who gave his all to make his classroom and all of SCHS the best it could be. He even took enough pride in the campus itself to do landscaping. He was proud of his students and their successes, but mostly he was very proud of his children . I was honored to call him my friend. Our sympathies to his family."
"Mr. Korb was one of my teachers at St. Charles High School, his passion for teaching and his kindness will always be remembered.Mr. Korb influenced my life and those of others, he will always be thought of one of the best"
"Few have influenced my life like Harvey Korb. I believe many can say the same. Our condolences to the family during this difficult time. You are in our thoughts & prayers. Mark & Di Feine"
"I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Korbs passing! He was such a great man and I have many memories of him from high school. But one memory was from after high school. My mom passed away in 1994 and Mr Korb made a point to go out of his way to find us at the hotel we were staying in Rochester to pass on his condolences. It just goes to show you his character. Rest easy now. You will be missed."
"Our condolences to Harvey's entire extended family. You will be in our thoughts and prayers this holiday season."
"So sad to hear of Harvey's passing. What a wonderful person and a teacher that had such a positive impact on so many students across the years. I am grateful to count myself among them. My condolences to the Korb Family. Kent Rohrer"