OBITUARY
John George Korbel
December 13, 1942 – August 25, 2018
John George Korbel died peacefully surrounded by family on August 28, 2018, at the age of 75. Preceded in death by his parents Joseph Stanley Korbel and Eleanore Hanna Korbel. Survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Cheryl Navarro Korbel, his children Cezanne K. Weis (Jim) of Salina, Kansas, Todd M. Korbel, Adam J. Korbel, Chavanne K. McDonald (Jay Paul) of Memphis, Tennessee, his grandchildren Cassondra A. Weis, Acacia M. Weis, Jay Paul McDonald III, and George Rule McDonald, and his brother Frank Korbel (Karen) of Cary, Illinois and nieces and nephews. John was born in 1942 in Chicago, Illinois. He was a graduate of Western Michigan University where he was a member of the baseball team, the ROTC, and the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army. An award winning broadcast journalist, news director, and independent producer in New Orleans, Lafayette, and Lake Charles, John also taught at Loyola University in New Orleans and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Although not from New Orleans, John embraced and loved the City and worked tirelessly in numerous civic pursuits including as a member of the board of the New Orleans American Revolution Bicentennial Commission and as a member of the School of Design to promote the city he loved. Visitation is Thursday, August 30 at Saint Patrick’s Church in New Orleans, 724 Camp Street, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. A funeral mass will begin at 3:00 p.m. with a private interment to follow. Plans for a reception after the funeral mass are being finalized and will be available at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of John to the Manresa Endowment Fund, P.O. Box 89, Convent, LA 70723.
FAMILY
- Preceded in death by his parents Joseph Stanley Korbel and Eleanore Hanna Korbel. Survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Cheryl Navarro Korbel, his children Cezanne K. Weis (Jim) of Salina, Kansas, Todd M. Korbel, Adam J. Korbel, Chavanne K. McDonald (Jay Paul) of Memphis, Tennessee, his grandchildren Cassondra A. Weis, Acacia M. Weis, Jay Paul McDonald III, and George Rule McDonald, and his brother Frank Korbel (Karen) of Cary, Illinois and nieces and nephews.
Services
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Visitation
Thursday, August 30, 2018
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Funeral Mass
Thursday, August 30, 2018
Memories
John George Korbel
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYBob Young
September 4, 2018
I used to call on John when I was the Associated Press TV sales rep for Louisiana. I loved visiting him. He'd do his "crusty, cranky" news director thing, but I knew inside he was a kind hearted guy who loved what he was doing. I'd ask John what was new and he'd respond with grumpy stories about stupid things the GM had done, or how the "children" in the newsroom were behaving. It was great fun and we both knew it. Fond memories!
Deborah Terribile Stewart
August 29, 2018
Thank you John for being more than just a boss. I Have so many memories of you... from coming in the middle of the night when I was doing the morning show to keep me company Or when you started your pecan wreaths and you were making them in the office.
I’ll never forget how you believed in me in a time where there was some controversy. You had my back and I’ll never forget that. I truly enjoyed working with you and for you. You were the old style news director who knew what he was doing. Those are far and few between.
May God bring comfort to your family... and may they know how loved and respected you were. ❤️
Joe Duke
August 29, 2018
Our thoughts are with the family. John was a great teacher whether in a newsroom or a classroom. He was a consummate journalist, and it was a privilege to be his colleague.
Joe and Therese Duke
Stephen Ellis
August 28, 2018
Todd and Korbel family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Your father was a wonderful, warm, caring individual. We will miss him.
Rose Mary and Steve
Patrick Thomas
August 28, 2018
I’m so sorry to hear about a man I admired and respect. He was my News Director but also a friend to me and my family. He help to re-energize my career as a Photojournalist and yet took time to help a family member in need. He was a great man and I’m thankful I had the opportunity to stand in his presence. He will be missed but his memory will live in my heart forever. R.I.P. John Korbel.
Renee Masssro
August 27, 2018
Todd I’m so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. Sending you and your family prayers and comfort during this difficult time. God Bless you All.
Gerald and Linda Coglaiti
August 27, 2018
Even though it was only for a short time, it was a pleasure meeting John and getting to know him during infusions at EJGH. Our deepest sympathy and condolences to John’s family.
Debbie Morrogh
August 27, 2018
RIP my friend. It was such a joy to see & meet you at the outside sales in Washington, La.