Owen J. Korsmo

Wednesday, August 1, 1928
Date of Death:
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Age:
83 years old
Owen J. Korsmo
The funeral Mass for Owen J. Korsmo will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 21, 2012 at River Park Chapel of Macken Funeral Home, with the Reverend Paul Nelson officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:00-11:00 a.m. prior to the service, also at River Park Chapel. Burial will at a later date at Calvary Cemetery.
Mr. Korsmo died at age 83 on Jan. 17, 2012, at Samaritan Bethany Heights in Rochester, Minn. He was born in Sanish, N.D., on Aug. 1, 1928 to parents Ole and Ruth Korsmo.
Owen spent his youth in Northwood, N.D., where the Korsmo family settled after emigration from Norway. He graduated from Lincoln High School in Thief River Falls, Minn., in 1946. Owen worked after graduation, then enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving in 1951 and 1952.
In 1952, Owen drove high school classmate and Rochester Mustangs hockey player Don Brossoit back to Rochester after Thanksgiving, and there he found a new job and community he would call home for the rest of his life. Owen was hired by Joe Quiter in his public accounting practice, where he worked for several years, and then co-owned the Parker Hotel with his cousin Norin Korsmo.
Owen met his future wife Gayle Lenarz when he cleverly removed the fuse to her room in their apartment building and valiantly offered to help restore electricity when she knocked on the building manager’s door to report the problem. Gayle and Owen were married in 1955 at St. Francis Church in Rochester.
Family, church, community and work were Owen’s passions. He and Gayle were proud parents of their three sons, always active in their sports and other activities. He was deeply involved at St. Pius X parish and school, an early leader of the Lourdes Foundation, chair of the YMCA board, and always present for key Chamber of Commerce activities. He spent many years working with the Rochester Mustangs as treasurer and great supporter.
In 1961, Owen was encouraged by friend and mentor Bud Roesch to become a State Farm Insurance agent. Owen listened and never looked back, becoming a very successful agent, earning a good living, traveling the world with the rewards of his good work and making many lifelong friends. After retiring from State Farm in 1989, Gayle and Owen enjoyed many years wintering in Rio Verde, Ariz., where they made many dear friends.
Survivors include his three sons, Jeff (Jenny) of Wichita, Kan., Jim (Laurie) of Rochester, and John of Fairmont, Minn.; six grandchildren (Erin and Gretchen; Mike and Sara; Emily and Haley). He is preceded in death by his wife, his sister and brother.
Memorials may be given to the charity of the donor’s choice, including the Gayle and Owen Korsmo Scholarship of the Lourdes Foundation. Macken Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.
Condolences
The family of Owen J. Korsmo has received the following condolences.
Dear Jeff:
My deepest sympathy for you and your family. Please know that I am praying for you and your family during this time of sorrow.
Debra
Korsmos, Your parents and ours were great friends. I remember your dad dropping by our house after work often just to visit. Your mom got my dad on her TV show once to talk about youth hockey. He was nervous, she wasn't. Your parents were special to a lot of people. We have our memories.
Our sincere condolences to you all. Michael and Kathryn Hoffman and the other Hoffman brothers.
Jeff. Jim and John,
We have received word here in Richmond VA of Owen's death. This is a sad day for Joan and me. We were great friends with your Dad and Mom, traveling the world with them on our many State Farm trips. Wonderful memories with too many laughs to count!
Owen was like a brother to me and I feel we helped one another in our careers trying to be the best we could be for our clients in State Farm.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Ed Axel
5406 Creek Heights Drive
Midlothian VA 23112
John,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you buddy, I'm sorry I couldnt be there for you. I count myself very lucky to have known Owen and Gayle, I have many fond memories of them from our years at St John's. I iwll miss them dearly.
Owen and I started our careers with State Farm, both in 1961, and both enjoyed the many friends we met for many years.
We both enjoyed our golf , and I enjoyed the invation a couple of times to be invited out to Reo Verde, Az. to golf with Owen and
a couple of his friends.
May God Bless his family, as these meories will stay in our hearts and minds forever.
Thief River Falls has lost another outstanding Lincoln alumni. Our condolences to the Korsmo family. Rest in peace Owen.
Jeff, Jim and John,
What a beautiful ceremony you orchestrated for Owen. Theresa, Angie and her friend Doug, Dad and I watched the service together. We cried and we laughed and we reminisced. Owen will indeed be sorely missed.
I am praying for you boys. Indeed ,in time, the wonderful memories will replace the sadness you have today.
Owen was a great Uncle.
My love to you all, Pat
What a wonderfull family the Korsmo's are!!!! Your parents would be proud. You did a great job at the funeral.
Dear Korsmos,
We are thinking of you at this difficult time and very sorry for your loss. We can tell by the family he raised that your father was a wonderful man. What a great story in the paper about how your Dad and Mom met.
Dave and Kathy
Dear Jeff, Jim and John,
The death of your father leaves an empty spot in my life, as did the death of your mother, may they rest in peace. I recall many visits with our family and spending the night. Your parents were so very gracious and welcoming. It is with sadness that I send my prayers to you for the blessings your parents have been to me and to others.
I am sure you recall me from my days at Pius X in Rochester, I now live in Denton,TX
PEACE TO ALL. Jim Wineski
Jeff and family,
We're very sorry to hear about the loss of your father. Please accept our deepest sympathies. Our prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Brian and Melissa Coleman
Jeff, Jenny, Jim, Laurie, and family,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Remember seeing Owen watching and enjoying the Lourdes hockey games with you. His obituary was warm, describes a rich life and the many contributions he has made to others. It is easy to see the connection in his sons and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Deepest sympathy.
Your Dad was a great guy. Owen was my first car insurance agent at age 16 and until he retired. He always took the time to wave me into his office at a young age and ask how things were going in my life. He took the time to get to know people when many adult would blow off young people. He always left the conversation with communts like study hard in school one day you will need to earn a income for your family. It did not mean much then but as a adult now it hits the mark. He would joke with me when I asked him why insurance was so expensive. He would respond, "well I have to send my kids to College".
Jeff, Jim, John and families: Barb and I want to offer our sincere condolences. Owen is one of the reasons I have been in Rochester for 34 years. Your mom and dad were the greatest. I have so many fond memories of my hockey coaching days at Lourdes and all the support they gave me. Your mom and dad did a great job of raising you boys - you are some of the finest young men I have ever coached - both on and off the ice. I hope our friendship continues as I know your dad will be looking down on all of us. I will be thinking of your family on Saturday - so sorry we can't make the funeral.
With great respect and honor,
Coach Frerker
Jeff, Jim, John.
Susan and I were sorrry to hear of your Dad's death. I alway's loved to go down to Soldiers Field Cafeteria and have lunch with him and my Dad. We will be unable to make the service. Dad wanted me to send his sympathy to you and tell you that we will always be thinkng of your Dad. God bless your Father!
Susan and Kevin Olson
Duane Olson and Susie
John - I'm sorry to hear of your father's passing. From what I read...it sounds like he lived a full life, touching a lot of people along the way. I hope you have some fond memories and stories to help you through this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Joanne & Randy
Jeff,
My sympathy to you and your family. your dad was a good man,
The memories of the time you spent with him will be a blessing in future years.
Peace,
fogs
Dear Jeff:
Please accept our sincerest condolences for the loss of your beloved father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
My thoughts are with you and your family. We work for the same company, that is how I am aware of your terrible loss. Take care of yourself and the rest of your family.
John,
Your dad was a great man. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Tina
I am sorry for your loss.
Owen and Gayle were great friends and very helpful in our efforts to start with State Farm. Owen and Gayle leave a great legacy of not only his wonderful children, but the high bar for his accomplishments as an agent for State Farm Companies.
Just one of the treasured moments with this family was our first trip with the company to Munich. Owen and Gayle took us rookies under their wings and let us join them in meeting German friends as we traveled across Baveria . This is only one of many fun memorieswith the Korsmos.
We are glad we knew them. May God bless and keep them.
We are in Arizona and will not be able to attend the services for Owen.
Chuck and Judy McCarthy
To the Korsmo family,
The Via Christi St Teresa gift shop staff sends our sincere sympathy for your loss. Your family is in our thoughts & prayers. May happy memories comfort you.
How Dee and I enjoyed traveling with your parents and State Farm. Two of the nicest folks on the planet.
Your father and I were always going to get together here2 in Arizona but, we only rain into each other at Mayo in Scottsdale on a number of occasions.
Our condolences to the family. Owen will be missed.
Ron and Dee Wandmacher Sun City West, Az
Val forwarded the notice that your father had passed away. I am so sorry. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family. We enjoyed a lunch with Owen and Gayle while we were visiting in AZ. several winters ago. In case you are not sure who I am--I am Gayle's cousin. My Dad and her Mom were sister and brother. Our sympathy to all of you. Romayne and Kirk Sand. Grand Forks, ND
Hey John:
I will always remember your Dad for his generosity and kind way. I hope things go as best as they can for your family during this time. You're all in my thoughts and prayers.
Joe
Jeff and Jenny,
I am in Arizona this weekend so won't be able to see you in person to tell you I'm sorry for your loss. I remember having the pleasure of meeting Owen at their home by Assissi where they raised the boys, and seeing him at softball games many years ago. Take care and God bless.
Regards,
Terry
I always thought of Owen as one of the cutest fathers of our friends. He was always welcoming, pleasant, funny. He was a part of Mike's entire life and mine for over 30 years. We'll miss him. Our love and prayers to his whole family.
Terese and Mike
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
VCH - SF Mailroom Staff and Volunteers,
Our sympathies to your entire family. Owen was a wonderful caring person and parented with Gayle an extraordinary and lovely family.
I have many fond memories of Owen and Gayle. We are so sorry for your loss.
Arlene and Jim Potter
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of remembrance and sorrow.
The staff at the Via Christi Cancer Center
As your father joins his father God, I wish you the serenity that can only be presented to you by God himself.
Rejoice in the memories of your father's time on earth and the blessing he bestowed his family.
I pray that you find peace as your father has found in heaven.
Regards,
Terri Pajas
Via Christi Health
The O'Briens send sympathy and prayers. Were we not in AZ we would be present to you at the liturgy. Know those who care are thinking of you at this time. God love, Tom and Katie
My deepest sympathies to all of the Korsmos. Owen was a great guy and I enjoyed knowing him very much.
Dear Jim & Laurie & family,
My deepest sympathies extend to you at this time. Owen was an icon in Rochester , especially to all of us in the insurance world. He was well respected amongst his insurance colleagues and greatly appreciated with his many good works with Lourdes and all he held dear.
I wish you comfort at this time in the wonderful memories you must have of such a wonderful father....Diane Ress.
Jeff and Jenny,
While I was in Rochester your friend Martha Bowman told me of your father's passing. I know the community and your family are feeling the sense of loss that comes with the passages of life. I'm sure you will all mourn, reflect and celebrate his life.
Thinking of you and your family.
Jim
Owen, you were the best golf partner I ever had. I will miss you and always remember your great kindness.
Your Pal,
Bob Dunham
Our thoughts are with you and your family. Having experienced the passing of both of our parents, please know that my wife and I will thoughtfully and prayerfully hold you and yours up to the Lord in prayerful consideration.
Cal Frye
I'm so sad that Owen is gone. He was such a wonderful man, so kind and caring. I will never forget how he went above and beyond when my first husband died leaving me with 4 little children at age 25. What a friend he was. I'm so happy that I was blessed to have had him in my life. Deepest sympathy from my whole family. Jim and Carol Shipman and Brittany, Jeff and Greg Austin, Kathy Akerson, and Lisa Janet. We are all better people because we knew him.
Dear Friends,
We have so many good memories of your Dad. What a wonderful legacy he has left behind. I remember telling people when my parents died, it was now time to honor them. We hope you can find some comfort in the days ahead.We will miss seeing him at your family gatherings. He was always there for you..wasn't he? Please know that our family is here for you, too. Our deepest sympathy. Love, the Kastners
We are with you in mind and spirit on this journey; reflections and thoughts to be sent to you. Glenn and Celeste
Jeff & Jenny:
Please know that I and all your Via Christi family share your loss. Celebrate your father's life here on earth and now eternal joy with his Lord and Savior.
Sincerely,
Maggie Meetz, Human Resources
Owen was like a second father to me. I frequently stopped by the house or his office 'just to talk' - he always offered a guided approach to life. The legacy of he and Gayle lives on in their children and all the people and organizations they touched. Owen was a great supporter of Lourdes - he and my father had many long talks on how to make the school better through the Lourdes Foundation. He was instrumental in the start-up of that foundation along with the varsity hockey program at Lourdes. The success of the Foundation and the hockey program are a testament to the vision Owen had for Lourdes High School.
My father always challenged me to 'make a difference' in life and insure the world is better after you are gone...Owen certainly met that challenge!
My condolences to Jeff, Jim and John.
Richard Woodruff
To The Family of Mr. Owen Korsmo:
Please accept our deep sympathy for your loss. May it comfort you and your family to know that others are sharing in your sorrow at this sad time. May God bless you and give you and your family comfort in the days ahead.
Sincerely:
House Managers-East Harry/Via Christi
Wichita, Kansas
When Owen moved into Apache Mall back in the late 1960's, I was managing a camera store near his office. We became friends and he became my insurance agent for many years. We also shared an interest in hockey. He used to come by the store during state high school tournament time and we would meander to a nearby electronics store and watch for awhile during our coffee breaks.
That interest in hockey later turned into part of my job as a sportswriter at the Post-Bulletin. I was the hockey guy there for about 20 years and developed a big interest in the sport along the way. Owen remained my insurance agent until he retired and we always talked a little hockey whenever I stopped by the office.
The last time I saw him was at Bill and Karen Schmidt's, my next-door neighbors. I could see he was failing,but we still had a nice conversation. I am now 70 years old and dealing with health issues of my own. I am very sad to see one of the nicest guys I ever met, now gone.
My sincere sympathies to all of you in Owen's family. I just lost my father two years ago and it leaves a void in our lives.
Steve Webb
Dear Jeff, Jim and family,
I am so sorry to learn of your Dad's death. He was a very special person and made a difference in the lives of those he knew--including me.
My thoughts/prayers are with you.
Teri Rummans
Please accept our deepest sympathy.
Sincerely,
The Canney Family
Jeff,
I am very sorry to hear about the loss of your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during these difficult times.
Sincerely,
Bruce Witt
We are sorry to hear about Owen passing away, our sympathy goes out to his family members. We had Owen as our State Farm agent for many years starting back in 1969. Over those years stopping at his office at Apache Mall he was always willing to help out with any insurance needs. We recently had spoke with Owen last Aug. of 2011 when he was living at Homestead in Rochester, since we had a mother and mother-in-law that moved there in August. After all those years he did remember us by our last name.
Gary and Sharon Davidson
Prayers to you John, Jeff and Jim and your families. I am sure your mom was waiting for him with open arms and a big smile on her face. So sorry for your loss. He was a sweet man.
Dear Jeff and Korsmo Family,
I was so very sorry to hear the news regarding the loss of your Father. I am sure your Dad was a great person. I wanted to let you know, my thoughts are prayers are with you and your family. Remember and treasure all your memories, which will give you strength and peace.
May God Bless You and Your Family and surround you with peace and comfort.
Our sincerest condolences to Jeff and all the family.
Kevin & Pamela Chiles
Wichita, KS
My deepest sympathy to the entire Korsmo family on the loss of Owen. The obituary tells me he was a wonderful man with a woderful family. I will remember him in my prayers.
Dear Jeff, Jim, John and your lovely families,,,, Just know that my heart, prayers, love and sympathy are sent your way. God has such a beautiful plan in story for us all one day. It is difficult beyond word to lose those we love. I know you know this esp. after losing your wonderful mother - Auntie Gayle. Us girls are sharing in your grief but also rejoicing in heavens gain. I read Jeff's letter and couldnt help but have my heart leap in Joy reading who Unc had grabbed Jims hand, sat up in bed - eyes wide and took his last breath. You know the day before you guys came I had a baby monitor under daddies bed cause I was finally trying to grab a few winks of shut eye. I heard him yell out and I ran into his bedroom in my house. He was angry at me for disturbing him and told me in a not to happy voice that he had been speaking with Renee' *auntie*. It was such a comfort to me to know that she was with him. I just wish I could know what he saw that last moment - but I am sure it was your loving wonderful mother along with many others including auntie renee, my dad, mom and all those who have loved him so dearly and left his company here on Earth. I truly looks forward to the day I can meet his and your dad's dad. All of our ancestors who are so much a part of our strength and genetic work up. Life will be so glorious for all of us one day. No more tears, pain, hunger, longing for the loves we wish to be with forever. I love you guys more than you will ever know and you are all never far from my thoughts. I pray for your wives and children. I am sure there in much sorrow in their hearts missing their father in law and wonderful loving grandpa. I would just again say. How blessed we are to have our faith, our beautiful family and each other. I love you all and us girls share in your deep sorrow. Blessings, peace, love and again more peace to all of you from all of us girls and our families.
I offer this prayer for all of you - through my dear and belovee Saint Anthony
O loving God, grand Your consoling grace to all who mourn the passing of our beloved Owen J. Korsmo. Hear my prayer for those who loved him so dearly and all those who have gone before me into the life to come.
Look kindly upon my departed family member - Owen J. Korsmo, all our family members, relatives and friends, especially those I now entrust to Your eternal mercy and goodness. I pray now and again for Owen J. Korsmo my beloved Uncle.
Consider all their deeds of caring, esp. Uncle Owen, goodness and charity toward others. Forgive any sins any of them may have committed, and grant them the everlasting reward of heaven.
Welcome my beloved deceased into the company of the saints, where tears are no more and suffering and pain are ended, where there is great joy, abundant life and peaceful rest in Your gracious presence.
I pray one day to be untied again with my loved ones who have passed away, so that together we may praise You forever and ever.
Amen
GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, All of David E. Korsmos girls and family
I have so many fun memories of time spent with Owen and his family. Memories that are now treasures. Owen I will miss your smiling face, your laugh and your sense of family. I love you, Lynneebee
Dave and I send our heartfelt sympathy to Jeff, Jenny and all of your family. Wishes to all of you for a journey of healing that includes the knowledge that there are so many who care. Owen's obituary was so warm and wonderful. It gives a real picture of how he lived his life; his loves, his passions, his commitment to family and community. What a rich life he had. I'm sorry I didn't know him, but knowing you, Jeff, it is easy to see the connection. Deepest sympathy and warm thoughts as you go through the coming days.
We hope life in Wichita is good. We miss you.
Best regards from both of us,
Susan and Dave
You and your family remain in our thoughts and prayers with the loss of your father. In sympathy, the Administration and staff of Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas.
Dear Korsmo family,
My deepest sympathy and prayers are with you at this time of loss. I did not know Mr. Korsmo but I do know he had to have been a tremendous person. I know this because I have come to know one of his sons in a small way and he is a great tribute to his parents. May God be with each of you and, please, be gentle with yourselves! I stand with you in prayer.
To the Korsmo family,
You have my deepest sympathy. Will be unable to attend Owens funeral as I am presently in Fountain Hills Ariz. Owen has always been one of my dearest friends. I will really miss him. Have many wonderful memories of times spent with Gayle and Owen. Sincerely, Anne Bock
I will always remember Owen for his kindness. He was a regular customer for lunch at Waldo's at our location in Apache Mall and I sat with him many a time and visited with him about North Dakota, where both my parents were born and raised! He was a great customer and a friend more importantly. ~ Tim Sitzer
Dear Jeff, Jim and John and your families,
We are so sorry to hear of your father's death. He was a treasured friend and we will always hold him in a special place in our hearts. Now he is in heaven with your mom and I am sure they are just smiling on all of you!
Blessing always,
Ann and Steve Felton
Dear Jeff, Jenny, Gretchen and Erin (and family),
I was so very sorry to hear that your dad passed away. I always enjoyed his visits on East 11. He seemed like such a kind and gentle man, and it was always very clear that he was so proud of you!
Gretchen and Erin,
Grandparents often hold a special place in our hearts. Always know that there is such love and pride that a grandparent has for his/her grandchildren, and keep that with you always.
My prayers are with you and your family at this time, and I hope that as time passes and the sadness lessens, the fond memories of the great times you shared as a family will bring a smile (and joy) to your face. Take care.
Thinking of you,
Ruthie “Joy”
OH to our little"owen" how we loved you so. your family has been an inspiriations to our office and our family. you are in heaven with Gayle where you should be. Gods blessing to all of you. We love each of you@
love from us
Michele Ammann and Merilee Petersen
To the Korsmo Family,
May the memories of your Dad bring you peace and comfort during this time. Your Dad was always so nice and so fun to be around while we were growing up. May God bless all of you. Mary Jo Paulson