Dennis Korby

Austin “Dennis” Korby Jr., 66, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Tuesday, March 22, 2016, at his home, a home in which his father built and he grew up in, surrounded by his family and friends.

Dennis was born on July 3, 1949, in Fergus Falls, the son of Austin and Edna Pearl (Downing) Korby, the oldest of four sons. He grew up in Fergus Falls and graduated from Fergus Falls High School in 1967. After high school he attended the MN Business School. He also served with the Army National Guard.

He was born into the family business, Korby Contracting Co Inc., specializing in bridge building and contracting. Dennis along with his brothers, worked for their father, until they incorporated in 1978, at which time Dennis became an owner with his father, mother and brothers. He took over as Corporation Secretary and family accountant and was well known for his accuracy and accounting skills. The family business was truly his pride and joy and he was respected by his business partners. Dennis enjoyed working with numbers, driving Mack Trucks, operating cranes, building bridges and working with his family. He simply loved his work!

In 1981, Dennis met his future wife, Cathleen “Cathy” Sauer. They had a daughter, Amber, in 1982, the couple married in 1983 at First Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls. Their second daughter, Becky was born in 1984. Cathy brought with her four children, Michelle, Trever, Heidi and Melissa. Dennis loved these children and treated them as his own until his death. Dennis divorced Cathy in 1991 and never remarried.

He was a member of the Fergus Falls American Legion and as a youth he was an active member of First Lutheran Church, where he was confirmed and always considered it to be his home church. Dennis received his Eagle Scout Award and liked to hold meetings at his house.

During his twenties, Dennis could be found causing trouble with his friends, creating the foundation for the many stories those who knew him would get to hear repeatedly later on in his life. He loved his 1957 Chevy, his Harley-Davidson Motorcycle, and bowling.

Throughout his life, Dennis enjoyed drinking Coca-Cola, always having a case in his fridge, and everyone knew not to drink his last Coke. He also loved collecting Coca-Cola memorabilia, especially the bottle Becky brought back from Iceland.

He loved to spend time with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren. He was very proud when he was able to get full custody of his two daughters, Amber and Becky. Dennis will be remembered for his gift of telling stories, his friendly personality, knack for talking for hours with friends and even strangers and for always helping his children when they needed it.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Austin and Edna; grandchildren, Christopher Fromuth and Jordan Wahl-Childress; a niece, Stacey Nicole Korby; and his former wife, Cathy Korby.

Survivors include his children, Becky (Robert) Arnett of Fergus Falls, Amber Korby of Frazee, Michelle (Boyd) Tenneson of Fergus Falls, Trever Wahl of Fergus Falls, Heidi (Shawn) Tommerdahl of Fergus Falls, and Melissa Qualley of Pelican Rapids; his grandchildren, Haylie, Trent and Laycie Stach, Mackynzie, Iszabella and Dennis Arnett, Nicholas, Logan, Corey and Drake Fromuth, Dustin, Jonathan and Hunter Tenneson, Julien and Brody Belgrade, Liam and X’Zander Hurt, Andrew Smith, Kaylin Olson, Autumn and Austin Thornton, Evelynn Tommerdahl, and Natalie, Natasha and Nathaniel Qualley and Benjamin; and his brothers, Donald, Gary and Steven Korby of Fergus Falls. Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. A special thank you to Verna and Jeff Lindberg, who helped care for Dennis and his father Austin.

Visitation: 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Tuesday, March 29, 2016, at Olson Funeral Home and resumes one hour prior to the service at the church.
Service: 2:00 PM on Wednesday, March 30, 2016, at First Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls
Clergy: Reverend Jennifer Rose
Burial: Oak Grove Cemetery, Fergus Falls, MN
Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls, MN.