Donald Korby

Donald Wayne Korby, 74, of Fergus Falls, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, January 10, 2025, surrounded by his children and under the care of hospice.

Don was born in Duluth, MN, on September 9, 1950, to Austin and Edna (Downing) Korby. In his early years, the family moved to Fergus Falls, where Austin founded Korby Contracting Company. Don was confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls and attended Fergus Falls Public Schools, graduating from Fergus Falls Senior High School in 1968. He also attended Fergus Falls Junior College.

Don began working in his early teens and dedicated his entire career to Korby Contracting, where he worked construction and built bridges alongside his family. He served as a crane operator, certified welder, and held the position of President of the company. In 2000, at the age of 50, he retired after more than 35 years of traveling for work to spend more time at home with his children, grandchildren, and friends.

In his younger years, Don was a member of the Association of Harley Davidson Riders, enjoying weekend rides and camping trips with friends. Throughout his life, he pursued various hobbies and interests, including reading, attending auctions, collecting coins, tracking the stock market, playing basketball with his children, fishing, participating in a fantasy football league in Underwood, watching The Minnesota Vikings and Twins, walking his dog, and spending time with friends. He also had a passion for music and attended many concerts and festivals over the years with his lifelong friends. Above all, he cherished the time spent with his children, grandchildren, and son-in-law, Jamie, whom he met for brunch weekly. Don will be remembered by all who knew him as a kind and generous person.

He is survived by his children, Brian Korby, Tasha Korby, Sheila (Jamie) Johnson, all of Fergus Falls, and Nicole (Micheal) McNeill of Chelsea, Alabama; his grandchildren, Mason Cramer, Connor Cramer, Madison Johnson, Harper Johnson, as well as Nicolas, Christopher, Tyler, and Kaitlyn McNeill; two brothers, Gary and Steven (Beth) Korby of Fergus Falls; great-grandchildren Hazel, Mia, Elijah, and Emily; and numerous nieces, nephews, friends, and his beloved dog, Barbie.

Preceding him in death are his parents, Austin and Edna Korby; his brother, Dennis Korby; his nephew, Micheal Korby; nieces Stacy Korby and Amber Korby; and step-son Christopher Korby.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the Knute Nelson Home Care & Hospice team for the excellent care they provided.

Memorials are preferred to Knute Nelson Home Care & Hospice of Fergus Falls.

Memorial Service: 12:00 PM, Sunday, January 19, 2025, at Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls, with visitation one hour prior to the service. A private burial will take place at a later date.