John R. (Jack)Kortebein, 84, passed away Dec27 at his home in Onalaska, surrounded by family, following a valiant battle with cancer.  

John was born in Milwaukee, WI on Nov. 3, 1927, to Rudolph & Ormel (Shimek) Kortebein.  John served in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956.  He married Mary Lauda on June 12, 1954.  He received his B.A.-Education from Wisconsin State Teacher’s College, 1954, & an M.A. from Clarke College, Dubuque, IA, 1967.

Because of his abiding love of children, he was devoted to his students & passionate about his profession.  He began his 30-year career in the Milwaukee Public School System as an elementary school teacher serving at various levels, from elementary level to high school.  His assignments ranged from teacher, assistant principal & principal. 

He is survived by 2 children, Jeanne (Steve) Miethke & James Kortebein of Onalaska; 2 granddaughters, Lindsay (Jeremy) Lenser, Onalaska, & Emily Miethke, Whitewater; 4 siblings, Michael (Sondra) Kortebein, Onalaska; Betty Doria, CA; Jane (Busty) Marchese, West Allis, WI; Judy Benedict, OH; Steve’s father, Norman Miethke, Onalaska; & 27 very special nieces & nephews as well as their spouses & children.

He was especially close to nieces Barbara (Skip) Denney &Terry (J.T.) Harris of Tennessee. 

Preceded in death by his wife, Mary on October 20, 1992; brothers, George & Rudy; parents, Rudolph & Ormel Kortebein.

John was devoted to faith, family and country.  He was a member of St. James the Less Catholic Church.  John dearly loved his family and was always offering his help. He enjoyed being on top of politics, volunteering in campaigns and in the community.  He looked forward to lively discussions with his Digger’s lunch buddies.

John was well versed in history, was an inveterate reader who loved acquiring knowledge.  He enrolled in a re-upholstery class shortly before he became ill.  He loved being on the water, whether fishing or cruising on the houseboat.  Proud of his Czech heritage, he and his sisters explored their family’s roots near Prague on their transcendent 2008 trip to the Czech Republic.

John had the unique ability to make you feel that you were the most important person in the world.  He was known as “Grandpa Jack” not only to granddaughters Lindsay and Emily, but to all their friends as well.

Our patriarch will be greatly missed.

The family would like to thank Drs. Price, Clayton, Rigden & Rasool & their nursing staffs; Dr. Minehan & D. Groshek, PA; Franciscan Skemp Hospice staff.  Much appreciation to John’s neighbors who took a special interest in him and he in them.

Contributions may be made in his name to Wisconsin Right toLife, Franciscan Skemp Hospice, St. James the Less Parish.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. at St. James the Less Catholic Church, 1032 Caledonia Street, La Crosse.  The Reverend Robert Schaller will officiate.  Friends may visit with the family on Monday at the Dickinson Family Funeral Home, 401 Main Street, Onalaska from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. with a prayer service to be held at 6:30 p.m.  A visitation will also be held on Tuesday at the church from 9:30 a.m. until time of services.  Information and on-line condolences may be given to the family at www.dickinsonfuneralhomes.com.

--Dickinson Family Funeral Home website--

John R. Kortebein

of ONALASKA--Age 84yrs, died Tuesday Dec 27, 2011 at his home.  Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:30a.m. Tuesday at St. James the Less Catholic Church, LaCrosse.  Friends may visit from 5 to 7p.m., with a 6:30 prayer service, Monday at Dickinson Family Funeral Home, 401 Main Str., Onalaska and from 9:30a.m. to services Tuesday at the church.  A full obituary will follow  Online condolences may be offered at www.dickinsonfuneralhomes.com

--LaCrosse Tribune, Dec 28, 2011--