Donald Herman Korn

LODI - Donald Herman “Gumpy” Korn, age 99, passed away peacefully on July 18, 2022, at Divine Rehabilitation and Nursing in Lodi, Wis. Donald was born Dec. 11, 1922, in Madison, Wis. to Herman Jack Korn and Anna Marking Korn. Donald grew up on Blair Street in downtown Madison and he graduated from Central High School in 1940. After Pearl Harbor, he enlisted in the Marine Corps, and he was stationed on Midway Island in the Pacific to defend against any more enemy attacks after the Battle of Midway. He married the love of his life, Helen Fern Grinde Korn on May 28, 1949. They were married 43 wonderful years. Donald worked for Ohio Medical (later Ohmeda) for over 35 years retiring in 1986. He was a union man through and through. Donald’s passion was growing tea roses of all different colors. They were absolutely gorgeous and smelled wonderful. He loved giving roses to the ladies. Donald loved his family and the simple life that he had on Harding Street on the eastside of Madison. He was hilarious, loving, smart, a huge Packers fan, and a role model for staying positive no matter what in contrast to all the complainers of the world. In addition to his parents, Donald lost Helen in 1992, his beloved sister, Mildred (Andy) Stolen; and many friends, nieces and nephews. He is survived by his daughters, Susan (John) Policello of Middleton and Mary Korn Erickson of Madison; his son, William (Mary) Korn, Bakersfield, Calif.; three grandchildren, Dustin Erickson, Travis (Sami) Erickson and Bryan (Kayla) Korn; and two great grandsons, Brayden and Brooks Erickson. The service will be at Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Care on Monona Drive at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, July 27. After lunch, a military burial will be at Forest Hill Cemetery on Speedway Road in Madison. Special thanks to Agrace HospiceCare, Divine Rehab and nursing staff and to the “Thielke” girls. Those who wish to remember dad may donate to the Pinney branch library on Cottage Grove Road, Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), or Agrace HospiceCare. We love you dad! Thanks for all the laughs and love you provided for 70 plus years!! Our lives now have a big missing piece. Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Care 7435 University Avenue (608) 831-6761