Carol Rae (Bortnem) Korman, 88, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. She was born on Nov. 7, 1936, in Brookings SD, the daughter of Lawrence & Stella (Derdall) Bortnem. Carol graduated from Brookings High School and was crowned Queen of the Brookings Diamond Jubilee Celebration in 1954. She was an English major and earned an Associate Degree from South Dakota State University, and later worked as a bookkeeper on campus.
On New Year’s Eve 1956, Carol met the love of her life, Gene Korman, on a blind date. The couple married 8 months later on August 18, 1957, at First Lutheran Church in Brookings and shared 41 wonderful years of marriage until Gene’s passing on April 6, 1999. As a couple, Carol and Gene enjoyed taking ballroom dancing lessons, visiting family and friends and going on drives with the British Sportscar Club in their bright red 1976 Triumph TR6.
As Gene’s career as a mechanical engineer presented new opportunities, the family was relocated to Beloit, WI, Milwaukee, WI, Decatur, IL, back to Milwaukee and ultimately Louisville KY in 1986. Carol was a wonderful homemaker and loving mother, creating a warm and nurturing home for her family, wherever they resided.
Music was a lifelong passion for Carol. She was a talented violinist and pianist and served as a church organist for many years. During the summer months, you could often find her enjoying outdoor music concerts in her community. She also loved camping, boating, and traveling with her family, including countless summer vacations in their motorhome including a memorable three-week journey to the east coast.
Carol was an active member of the Homemaker’s Association, spent many fun evenings playing Bunco with friends and joined a women’s bowling league while living in Illinois. She cherished frequent late-night calls with her sister, Marlys, moments that brought her endless joy and laughter.
Carol is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Lori and Lyle Lang who reside in Belize; son Jeffrey Korman of Louisville KY; and 5 loving grandchildren: Maddie, Alex and Olivia Lang and Ruby and Ben Korman.
Previously departed loved ones include; her husband, Gene Korman, parents Lawrence & Stella Bortnem, brother Lorn Bortnem and sister Marlys Bakken.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Nov. 23, at Ratterman Brothers East Louisville (12900 Shelbyville Road, Louisville KY) (casual attire). Visitation is from 10-noon. A memorial service will be held from 10:30-11 a.m., with a Qdoba lunch being served afterwards. The funeral procession will leave Rattermans at 2 p.m and proceed to Cave Hill Cemetery for internment and graveside service at 2:30.
