Funeral services will be Tuesday, May 28, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at the Runge Mortuary Chapel. Visitation will be held Monday, May 27, 2013 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Memorials may be made to the family for a scholarship fund to be established. Burial will be in Davenport Memorial Park. Online condolences may be offered at www.rungemortuary.com.
Wilbert was born on June 9, 1927 in Walcott, Iowa, the son of Waldo and Viola (Bolte) Korthaus. While growing up, he worked all day on the farm with his brothers, but on Saturday nights he went out to dance. He graduated from Durant High School in 1945 and was enlisted in the U.S. Army from February, 1952 to February, 1954. He was first stationed in California, then in Arizona, and finally in France. He served as a member of the Walcott Legion.
On October 19th, 1952, Wilbert married Marvella Kardel. The couple had two sons, Maurice and Marlan. Wilbert and Marvella enjoyed listening and dancing to big band music, performing fox trots, waltzes, and now and then a polka. Wilbert always had time for dancing with his wife after a long day of work. He also enjoyed attending his children’s and grandchildren’s activities over the years.
Mr. Korthaus was a lifelong farmer and enjoyed going to cattle shows and watching his family exhibit cattle. He and Marvella served as Beef Superintendents at the Mississippi Valley Fair for many years. In addition, he belonged to both the Iowa Shorthorn Association and the National Shorthorn Association.
Wilbert was very good at carpentry and welding and was described as “Mr. Fix-It.” He could always make more out of less and over the years, he built or refurbished every building on his farm.
He is survived by his wife, Marvella; two sons, Maurice (Faye), Smithfield, KY, and Marlan (Brenda), of Moulton, IA; four grandchildren, Fran (David) McCall, Shelbyville, KY, Wes, of Smithfield, KY, Jody, St Louis, and Cody, Moulton, IA; his brother, Alvin (Jeanette) Korthaus of Davenport, and his sister, Verna (Roland) Paulsen of Durant, as well as by several nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Viola and Waldo Korthaus, and by his brother, Ervin.
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