Chester W. Korfhage

Chester W. Korfhage, affectionately know as "Chet, Papaw, and Chet-Man-Doo", age 77, passed away on Sunday, April 13, 2025. Chester was born on July 15, 1947, to the late Roy and Thelma Korfhage. Chester attended St. Thomas More Seminary as a high school student and graduated from Bishop David High School. He obtained an Associate's degree in computer science from Indiana University Southeast. He married the love of his life, Thelma Eggen Korfhage, on November 13, 1971, and they have been married for 53 years. Chester served overseas as a Code Intercept Operator in the United States Air Force from 1965 to 1969. He dedicated 38 years of service to Louisville Gas and Electric. Chester was a parishioner for over 50 years at St. Mary of the Knobs Catholic Church where he taught religious education and served as a Boy Scout Leader.

Chester never met a stranger. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend to many. He and his wife, Thelma, loved to travel within the United States and abroad. They shared many incredible adventures together. Chester had a special place in his heart for visiting our country's National Park System, with his favorite being Yosemite. He loved all things outdoors, including camping, hiking, and fishing. Many family memories were made sitting around the campfire on camping trips. Chester was an avid reader, keeping notebooks listing the many titles he had read. He also loved a good game of Pinochle or Yahtzee. Chester occasionally enjoyed playing the slots or blackjack at the local casinos.

Along with his parents, Chester is preceded in death by a stepfather, Raymond Aubrey; son, Mark Alan Shirley; daughter, Dr. Bethe Anne Korfhage; sister, Judy Gilbert; and brother, Stuart Korfhage.

Chester is survived by his wife of 53 years, Thelma; his children, Kent Shirley and Jeanne Landrum (Darin); grandchildren, Nathan Shirley (Angelique), Wyatt Shirley (Samantha), Gabriel Shirley, Nicholas Landrum, and Sydney Landrum; great-grandchildren, Ryker Shirley, Braxton Shirley, and Casper Shirley; siblings, Leroy Korfhage, Sharon Thompson (James), Michael Korfhage (Linda), Mark Korfhage (Lynnette), Jeffrey Korfhage (Gwen), and Glenn Eggen (Chris); as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Expressions of sympathy are suggested to the Catholic Relief Services at www.crs.org or to the University of Louisville Foundation for Parkinson's research. Checks can be mailed to University of Louisville Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 772050, Chicago, IL 60677-050. Check memo (Parkinson's Reasearch G3009 or use link https:/www.securelb.imodules.com.

Visitation for Chester will be held Wednesday, April 16, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM at Kraft Funeral Service, 708 E. Spring Street, New Albany, Indiana 47150.

A funeral mass will be Thursday, April 17, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Saint Mary of the Knobs Catholic Church, 5719 St. Mary's Road, Floyds Knobs, Indiana 47119, with burial to follow in the church cemetery.