Charles "Chuck" J. Korte

Charles J. "Chuck" Korte,  74, of Augusta, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on October 13, 2021, at Select Specialty Hospital in Wichita. He was born October 31, 1946, to Leo and Dorothy (Simon) Korte, in Wichita, his parents took him from the hospital to their home south of Augusta where he learned farming, cattle and the value of hard work. He was baptized at St. James Catholic Church where he was a lifelong member. His faith was very important to him, and he did his best to pass it on. After graduation from Augusta High School with the Class of 1964 (all of whom he considered close friends), Chuck attended Wichita State University where he was graduated in 1970 with a BS in Business Administration. On June 12, 1971, he married Deann (Haaga) of El Dorado. Six months after their marriage, Chuck and Deann moved to a farm north of Latham which they purchased in 1974 and expanded their operation by leasing other ground in the area. Although a great way to raise a family, farming and ranching in the 1980's was a tough way to make a living. So, in 1984, Chuck got his real estate license and began a second career (not giving up the first) as a Realtor (R) and auctioneer.  He never stopped either career. He died owning cattle, having crops in the field ready to harvest, with active listings and clients ready to set dates for auctions. Chuck was a charter member of the former Latham Lions Club, served as a Lions District Governor in 1981-1982.  After moving back to rural Augusta and the demise of Latham's club, he transferred his membership to the Augusta Lions Club of which he was a member at the time of his death. He was also a member of the St. James Knights of Columbus and a 4th Degree Knight. He served on the board of Bluestem USD 205 for 14 years while his children were students there. His favorite activities were flying his airplane for business and pleasure and shooting trap. He attended trapshoots in several states over the years, winning many events, including Out of State Champion in Alaska in 2012 and in 2020, He entered the Douglass Rodeo in bareback riding once and decided it would be better participate in that sport on the backside of a camera.  During the late 60's and early 70's for several years, he traveled, mostly around Kansas, taking pictures at rodeos. That slowed down when they started a family. He enjoyed traveling. He and Deann made special memories on road trips with grandchildren. Chuck never met a stranger and made friends wherever he went. He was known for telling jokes. It is reported that in grade school he kept a notebook of jokes which he, at some point, eliminated and kept them filed by category in his head. When asked if she heard jokes all the time, Deann would reply, "If you quit laughing at them, he'll stop." His greatest accomplishment, in his opinion, was his family. Chuck is survived by his wife, Deann, children Damian and Jenelle Korte of Latham, Kim Braungardt of Augusta and Dallas and Sally Korte of Leon; 15 grandchildren, Michaela (Logan) Wassall, Montana (Lane) Moran, Garrett and Brooklyn Korte, Tristan, Tanner, and Taylor Braungardt, Sadie (Jordan) Fletcher, Brittny, Michael, Solomon, Anthony, John Paul, Robert and Emilia Korte; 4 great grandchildren; brother and sister-in-law, Si and Kay Korte of Overland Park; sisters-in-law and their husbands, Janett (Bob) Doile and Christi (Vernon) Dutcher, all of El Dorado; several nieces and nephews and their children. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Kathy Shoger of Augusta, a nephew, a pre-born son and 4 pre-born grandchildren. Viewing 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Sunday, October 17, 2021  at Headley Funeral Chapel. Rosary 6:00 p.m. Sunday, October 17, 2021 at St. James Catholic Church. Funeral Mass  10:00 a.m. Monday, October 18, 2021, at St. James Catholic Church, Augusta. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery Augusta, KS. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to St. James Catholic Church, 1012 Belmont, Augusta, KS 67010; Bluestem Outdoor Club, c/o Bluestem High School, 500 Bluestem Dr., Leon, KS 67074; or the Chuck & Deann Korte Presidential Scholarship Fund c/o Butler Foundation, 901 S. Haverhill RD, El Dorado, KS 67042.