Richard Korthals Obituary

I always knew him as Dean Korthals, my "Dad away from Dad" and Dean of Students at Concordia, River Forest. He was an amazing man, one of the godliest, strongest believers I have ever met. We continued to keep in touch through June, 2011. I will miss his wisdom and guidance.

We loved both Dick and Lynn, my husband Rob worked with Dick during his time at Focus on the Family. We delighted in the dinners and time shared and he allowed our oldest daughter to interview him for a WWII project she did for school. We just found out about his death when our annual Christmas Card was returned, looking at the date we were on vacation when this occurred. We apology that our sympathy is so late in coming to the family. What a wonderful man, an incredible life legacy and a Kingdom builder. We will miss him.

This is for Sherry...I need to know if you got the Delta Eagle? Will have hard copies next week and need to know if you will want any additional copies. Contact me please. Frank Dutko
[email protected]

Dick was a kind, generous, witty, wonderful man who blessed my family richly when he befriended my elderly live-in dad, Len, during his end years Dad had suffered physically from an amputation and back pain, not getting out and about as much as he liked to. Dick would come by and sit for hours exchanging "good old day" stories, devotions and laughter, and always listening attentively. Most importantly he shared the great love of his Lord and Savior through devotion, prayer and "just" living his life in the Word. I have no doubt that Dick answered his precious Lord's calling when he walked into my Dad's life, gently preparing him for the day he would be called home. Len was among the welcome home party for Dick in heaven. Together with their fellow saints, they are cheering us on through our earthly struggles as we await our invite to the Great Welcome Home Celebration that will never end.

To Dick's family, friends and loved ones: God's blessings, comfort and joyous memories of a man who lived his life well in the Lord. It was an honor and tremendous inspiration to know Dick. His legacy indeed will love on in the hearts of the many people he not only touched, but embraced with the true Spirit of Christ.

To Dick's family:
We are sorry to be late with our acknowledgement of Dick's untimely death and just want all of you to know what a vivid inspiration he was to us as a couple and to the 43D group as an extended family. We appreciate his many words of wisdom and his example of living as our Lord commanded. I know he must have praised God and then flew in to Lynn's loving arms. To be in the presence of our awesome God would be wonderful to know. But we live by faith and His word has taught us what we can expect to see.

Please know that our thoughts and prayers for each one of you in these difficult days, yet ones which can afford you the reflection of time you have spent with your father. He and Lynn were both amazing and we appreciated their friendship as we met
year after year with the reunion of the cadets. May you find comfort and peace in all the ways we pray for God to guide you through this profound loss.

(Sherry - hope we remember your name. Anyway Dick's daughter who had the cancer. Please let us hear from you as to how you are doing. Thanks. Our email is [email protected].)

I had the honor and priviledge of working along side of Dick & Lynn as they volunteered at Focus on the Family. They were both a shinning example of graciousness, kindness, and unfailing love towards others. Their warm hugs and tender smiles will be deeply missed.

I only knew Dick as he walked his "Toby" through the park. My dog Lilly was the same breed.They were like boy and girl friend. I only spoke with Dick briefly on several occasions when I would run into him walking our dogs. The man left a major impression on me and I hardly knew him. As I see in the guest book he accomplished so much in his life. We shared some commonality in that we served in The Air Force. Differant times and locales yet I was in awe as he told me his experiences. A man I briefly knew and wished to have continued to get to known. I was totally schocked. Yet he is with his beloved again. He told me one day just how much he missed her and how that "Toby" carried him through his loss. God Bless You Dick.

We are deeply sorrowed to learn that Dick has departed from among us, but are joyful in the knowledge that he will receive the crown of eternal life from his Lord and Savior. (Revelation 2:10)
We became acquainted with Dick and Lynn in the ‘70’s, when he served as Director at Camp Arcadia, in Michigan. His spiritual lessons for campers often used examples from nature, to show God’s great love and care for us. Their dog Beau Jo, an injured seagull, or a spider web, was the object lesson of some of those messages, to help campers come to know ‘Their Savior at Their Side’. And when we now hear the song “How Great Thou Art,” we are mentally transported to a wind-swept stretch of sand dune called the “Blowout,” on a bluff high above and overlooking Lake Michigan, to which Dick would hike with campers each week. There he would lead a devotion at sunset, each time closing with this hymn.
Dick also shared his faith through spell-binding, real-life experiences. At dinner together in 2005 he shared that, when encountering heavy enemy fire and facing what he thought would be sure death while piloting a plane through bullet-ridden skies during WW II, he became so afraid and was shaking, until he told God he was placing his plane and his life in God’s hands. His fears quickly subsided, and Dick came through the gun-fight unscathed.
He also related how, while working a comfortable position at Focus on the Family, God directed him to become the principal at a financially struggling Lutheran grade-school. Dick accepted the “call,” with the commitment that he would serve without remuneration. It was during that time that a military-pilot-friend, who was not Lutheran, came to visit with Dick at the school and soon thereafter surprised Dick with a very large financial gift to help the school continue.
Dick was truly a committed man of God, and we will always be grateful that the Lord caused Dick and Lynn’s path to cross with ours.

I never thought I would meet a man who could measure up in my eyes to my father. When I met Dick, I knew that the second greatest man who would be an influence on me during my teens and and early college years had entered my life. Dick challenged everyone to view life and our Savior in a new and somehow amazingly simple and beautiful way. While heaven is rejoicing in his arrival, those of us left behind have temporarily lost one of the greatest, most loving men that most of us will be blessed to ever know.

Dick Korthals was a giant in his own, quiet way. How many people he has touched with his gentle kindness, godly wisdom, and necessary leadership! His work as Dean of Students at Concordia, manager at Camp Arcadia, a writer, speaker, and author has certainly influenced literally thousands of men and women. God shows His care and love for His people on earth through humble servants such as Dick and Lynn Korthals. They are truly missed.
Mike Zeddies, Frankenmuth, MI

I am in shock, just having learned of Dick's passing. There are no words to describe what dear friends he and Lynn were to me. They journeyed to Lamar, Co several years ago when Dick served as our vacancy pastor. An instant friendship and abiding love was kindled. I was privileged when he agreed to officiate my wedding 8 years ago. I am deeply saddened at the loss, but I can see Dick now rejoicing with Lynn and all the saints in their heavenly home. My deepest sympathy to his family.

We only knew Dick for a little over a year but fell in love with him and Toby. He was a great neighbor and friend. He will be greatly missed. Dan & Lori Costa

Dick was among a handful of men in my life who I looked up to as a
mentor. Only in Heaven will we learn of the thousands of lives that he
helped shape including my own. He will be sorely missed by the many that knew and loved him. John Boldt, Columbus In

July 22, 2011

The Lord was very gracious when He allowed us to become friends, coworkers, and allies in the ministry at Camp Arcadia. His willingness to share his knowledge/experience with these "newbies", and his counsel and reassurance were a tremendous help on many occasions. The standards for cleanliness and service he and Lynn had established were invaluable. And his ability to lead people to a closer relationship with their Lord and Savior through his stories - his "parables" - was a beautiful gift we continue to treasure.

Thank you, Lord, for Dick Korthals.

May his children and grandchildren, and all who loved Him, take comfort in knowing He is now with His Lord. God be with us all "'til we meet at Jesus' feet."

Dick was such a wonderful man of faith!! He had such a way of finding God in nature, and sharing his insights with others. Besides remembering him for his storytelling I will always remember his kind and generous heart. As a teenager attending the teen weeks at Camp Arcadia he impressed upon me the importance of being still and listening for God's voice. May God's promises fill you, his family, with peace and joy at this time.

Dick and Lynn provided us with the perfect role model for marriage. We are grateful for their continued presence in our lives as we enjoy their "Seldom Home" residence in Arcadia. This home has always been filled with their joyful and positive vibes. May you, their precious children, feel comfort and blessing in these sad moments.

To the man I called Grandpa. Thank you for showing your love of the Lord in all you did. I will truly miss seeing your smile. I send my sincere sympathy to your family. This is not goodbye....but Ill see you again one day.

To the man I called Grandpa. Thank you for sharing your love of the Lord in all you did. I will truly miss seeing your smiling face. My sincere sympathy to your family. Its not goodbye...but will see you again someday.

My sincere sympathy to all the relatives and friends of Dick Korthals that suddenly feel his loss.

I got to know Dick and Lynn at Camp Arcadia while working on the camp staff in 1973. They were incredible witnesses to their faith and so good for the staff and guests! We all learned from them! Two years later Dick came to Concordia River Forest as Dean of Students where I was getting a DCE Degree. I appreciated him as he took the time to celebrate my successes as well as help me clear up some confusion I had about worship. I thank God for his insight and hid care in speaking openly with me!

I loved that my parents got to know the Korthals at Arcadia and that my children got to meet Dick and Lynn at Arcadia some years later when Dick agreed to be Dean for the week! And I loved that my niece sought him out while she worked in Colorado and Dick was willing to extend some great Korthals hospitality to her. When I married, I love how Dick and Lynn embraced Jeff's friendship too!

I've treasured the book that Dick authored (My Savior at My Side) because his honesty made his experiences so helpful to me. I wish I had purchased many more for gifts!

Finally, I'm grateful for Dick and Lynn's family; for their kindnesses as our paths have crossed and for the pictures they've posted here. I find warmth and joy in them. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. God be with you til we meet again.

Sincerely,
Jeannette(Tesnow)Berger & Family

You will be missed, but we know you are with our Lord....Thank you for your service to our country and our Lord!

Dick will be greatly missed. His leadership at Camp Arcadia in the 70's were crucial to Camp Arcadia's survival. The entire Arcadia family gives God thanks for Dick's life. To God be the Glory!

I know Mr. Korthals didn't know me, but he knew my parents, Mr. and Mrs. Lester Krienke. I am their oldest daughter, Lois and I want to thank him for being such a good friend to my parents, giving them comfort, support and God's love at this time in their lives. I know they will miss him, but it won't be long and we will all be rejoicing again together in Heaven. God bless his family and bring them peace.

My Dad and I send our condolences to the Korthal family. We know that Dick is now in the glory of our Lord and we rejoice in the resurrection of Jesus Christ that promises us eternal life.
With sympathy,
Richard Goetze and Kris Koops

To the Korthals from First Congregational UCC. Our sincere regrets at the loss of such a great man. He will be missed by so many. At this time of loss, may the many prayers that surround you sustain you during the days ahead.
Blessings,
Rev. Jacque Franklin

The man was a great friend. He offered counsel when needed, and it was always valued. We loved our lunches together at Village Inn, and he ordered the open-faced roast beef sandwich every time so he could take some slices out to his dear co-pilot and companion waiting in the car. He was always ready for a spirited game of cribbage, ...and he seldom lost. And whenever he played, he would reminisce that he never won against his beloved Lynn with a tear in his eye. And now whenever I play, I'll always think of my friend.

I miss you Dick Korthals. You taught me what a hero is, and how to be a man of God, and how to be a loving husband. You've left a big void in my life, I loved you. But you are reaping your reward in Heaven now, aren't you? I wish you could tell me what it's like to see Lynn again, what it's like to be in the presence of our God.

My heart goes out to Dick's family, understanding that grief and joy are at war within. God bless you and give you tender mercies.

My Sincerest Sympathy to all of Dick"s family....Joan A.Rieman..widow of C.J. from the original 43D group...

Phyl; and I are devastated by this news. I just had an email from Dick telling me we lost Frank Rolla Saturday and now him! God Bless him and our condolences and sympathy to the family. Also, Pilot Class 43-D Associstion for which Dick was a perennial treasurer and officer, board member, etc. Have a smooth flight and landing, my friend.

Dick thrived on helping others, and his well of concern seemed never to run dry. When I was a Camp Arcadia summer worker and then a young professional, he provided valuable life counsel to me, and it was a privilege to remain his friend for 40 years. Dick's marriage with Lynn and the way in which he coped with her loss held many lessons as well. I'll miss him and his email missives sorely but am delighted to envision Lynn and him reunited again.

To the Korthals family,

I want to thank Mr. Korthals again for coming to visit my mother and father during their respective surgeries at Penrose Hospital. My mother was the first one that Mr. Korthals visited. She had back surgery and he came by for prayer and sat with us a while and he was very comforting to my mother. A few months later, my father had open heart surgery and he was there again giving prayer and strength to my family. He also followed up with visits during their recovery. What a wonderful man and human being. My family and I will keep you all in our prayers. As a retired Air Force veteran, my father salutes his fellow AF comrade.