John Dayrell Kortheuer

February 21, 1931 – Jan 4, 2026

John Dayrell Kortheuer, 94, formerly of Charlotte and currently a resident of High Point, passed away Sunday, January 4, 2026, of complications from dementia and pneumonia. He was born February 21, 1931, in Mineola, NY, the son of Francis Dayrell and Katheryn Woods Kortheuer.

John earned a Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering from NC State University. As a Professional Engineer (PE), he worked several positions in the nuclear field. He retired in 1989 after 21 years with Duke Power. John was an active member of Christ Episcopal Church in Charlotte and All Saints Episcopal Church in Greensboro, NC. John was an avid swimmer with the Mecklenburg Aquatic Club (MAC) Masters and competed from age 47 to 86 at the state and national levels where he set several state, national, and world records. He enjoyed creative writing and tinkering with old cars.

John is survived by daughters Frances Kortheuer of Nacogdoches, TX; Elizabeth Young of Virginia Beach, VA; Martha Scholl of Wilmington, NC; Susan Harding of Midlothian, VA; sons Stephen Kortheuer of Blackstock, SC; Johnny Kortheuer of Wilmington, NC; grandchildren Katheryn Kendrick Hamlin; Lucas Kortheuer; Matthew Kortheuer; Lily Kortheuer; Nicholas Young; Anna Terry; Michael Young; James Hoskins; Jack Hoskins; Andrew Hoskins; Mark Hoskins; and 3 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his first wife, Nancy Eversman Kortheuer of East Flat Rock, NC; his wife of more than 50 years, Lillian Harding Kortheuer of High Point; and his son, Mark Harding Scholl of Charlotte, NC.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday, February 28, 2026, at All Saints Episcopal Church, 4211 Wayne Road, Greensboro, NC 27407.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in John’s name to All Saints Episcopal Church of Greensboro.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Pennybyrn in High Point and Visiting Angels, who each provided such loving and compassionate care to John during his final months.