Ralph Christopher Korn

Ralph C. Korn, 91, of Fort Myers, Florida, formerly of Park Ridge, Illinois, passed away on September 10, 2026. Born in Chicago, Illinois, on Sep 12, 1934, Ralph was the son of Otto and Lydia (Christopher) Korn. Ralph was the loving husband of Linda (Larsen) Korn, with whom he celebrated 69 years of marriage.

He is survived by his wife Linda, his sons Bryant and Eric, and predeceased by his son Russell. He was a loving grandfather to Alyx, Trevor, Madelyn and Brandon and great-grandfather to Carter and Kellan.

Ralph was the brother of his late sister Joan (Christopher) Christopherson, and a beloved uncle to his niece Jill.

He was also the brother-in-law of predeceased Valda (Larsen) Jornd and Janice (Larsen) Lamonia, and uncle to nieces Elizabeth and Deborah and nephews Anthony and Mark.

Ralph was an architect and general contractor for over 40 years in the greater Chicago area, specializing in building churches, schools and industrial complexes. He designed and built a house on Sanibel, Florida in 1995 and eventually moved to Sanibel full-time in 2013.

Beyond his family and his career as an architect, fishing, camping, bowling and helping others were Ralph's greatest passions. Ralph loved fixing things and building things. At any time of the day or night he would help anyone with roofing, plumbing, electric or mechanical issues. Ralph was a long-time member of the Lion’s in Chicago, serving once as its president.

Ralph and Linda began visiting Sanibel in the 1970s, initially camping at Periwinkle Park every January, and donated much time and energy to St. Michael and All Saints Episcopal Church. Ralph was a fixture at Noah’s Ark fixing and repairing donations, and being a consulting architect for modifications and updates the church needed. He was a member of Rotary on the island.

He leaves behind a family deeply proud of the life he lived and grateful for the many years they shared with him. His legacy will live on through his wife of 69 years, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and the many friends and family members whose lives were made richer by knowing him.

A Celebration of Life will be held at St. Michael and All Saints Episcopal Church, 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957, on October 24, 2026 at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers a donation to St. Michael and All Saints Episcopal Church is appreciated.