George Louis Korthauer Jr.

A man of immense integrity, visionary leadership, and unwavering devotion to his family, George L Korthauer Jr., passed away at his home he shared with his wife Brenda in Sarasota, Florida on December 16th, 2025.

Born in Elmhurst, IL on March 10th, 1951 and raised in Bensenville, IL, George’s affinity for cities and public safety started early from his father who was a distinguished Fire Chief. As a respected public servant, he dedicated his career to the art of municipal management, believing deeply in the power of local government to improve lives. While his professional influence spanned several states, his most enduring legacy is etched into the landscape of Petoskey, Michigan, where he served as City Manager for 25 years. From the redevelopment of the Lake Michigan waterfront to the preservation of river valley trails, George’s fingerprints remain on the parks and public spaces that define the community he loved. He took profound joy in the "moving parts" of a city, but found his greatest professional reward in the camaraderie of the City Staff who worked alongside him.

George was a master conversationalist and a keen listener who led with quiet professionalism and an exacting eye for detail. His work wasn’t something he did; it was who he was. He carried his craft into every corner of his life, viewing every experience through the same meticulous lens he applied to his career and finding joy in the subtle nuances others often overlooked. Yet, beyond his professional presence, he was best known for a legendary, dry wit. His “isms,” delivered with impeccable timing, could effortlessly move a room to tears of laughter. A man of deep loyalty, he maintained friendships that spanned decades and cherished his close-knit extended family. In later years, he even surprised himself by finding profound companionship in his beloved cats, A.J. and Buddy.

George attended undergrad at Western Illinois University and earned his Masters of Public Administration in Municipal Management from Roosevelt University in Chicago. His first role in municipal government was in the Bensenville Park District, Illinois and later as Assistant City Manager for the Village of Glencoe, Illinois. 1983 brought him to Petoskey, MI where he made a lasting imprint on the community until 2009. After retirement from the City of Petoskey, George served as CEO for Allied EMS Systems in Petoskey, Interim City Manager for Cheboygan, MI, Interim City Manager for the City of Oneonta, NY, and most recently was working as a Consultant with Colin Baezinger & Associates in Florida.

Despite his many accolades, George’s true north was always his family. He was the beloved husband of Brenda Korthauer for 35 years, a dedicated father to his daughter, Jennifer (Kyle) McGuire, and a doting "Butchie" to his grandsons, Griffin and Reed. He leaves behind a close-knit family, including his sister, Cathy (Larry) Lund; his nephew, Christopher (Aaron) Lund; his niece, Karla (Sule) Lund-Baptiste; and two grand nieces, Annaliese and Olivia Rose. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Tracey (Kurt) Maier and Debbie Adelsperger; niece, Dr. Megan Maier; and nephew, Cameron Maier.

There will be no services at this time, but a future celebration of life will be planned in one of the beautiful Petoskey Parks next summer for people to share memories of George.

Donations, if desired, may be made to:

The Petoskey Garden Club, Inc.

Make checks payable to PAGC, and mail to:

P.O. Box 746

Petoskey, MI 49770