George Anthony Korstjens was born January 1, 1942, in Milbank, SD, to Francis L. and Agatha I. (VanStralen) Korstjens. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Charles Catholic Church in Big Stone City, SD. He attended school at Melrose 5 and Milbank High School. George worked in the gravel business out of Big Stone City and drove milk truck for Elmer Amberg. October 19, 1968, he was married to Joan M. Carl at the First Congregational Church in Appleton. He later worked for Surge Milking Equipment in Appleton. In 1971 they moved to Correll where he owned and operated George's Market and worked for Harris Ronning Construction and Westgaard Construction of Dawson. He later went into the carpenter and painting business on his own. He began working for Econar in November 1996 and retired from there in 2011. George was very active with the City of Correll. He was Mayor and served on the city council for many years. He was supervisor of the water department. He also was on the Correll Fire Department for many years and also served as Chief of the department. George also served on the church council of First Congregational Church, and served with the Minnesota National Guard. In his younger years he liked hunting and also drove race cars. He enjoyed fishing, watching car races, and most importantly spending time with the family. George died unexpectedly on Wednesday evening, April 17th, at Ortonville Area Health Services. He had attained 71 years, 3 months, and 16 days of age. He is survived by his wife, Joan, of Correll; three children: Melissa (Allen) Drexler of Carlos, Tony (Shala) Korstjens of Correll, and Lisa Korstjens of Alexandria; three grandchildren: Samantha, Brianna, and Bret Korstjens, and baby Drexler due in August; siblings: Charles (Pat) Korstjens of Big Stone City, SD, John (Barb) Korstjens of Milbank, Kathy (Gary) Pillatzke of Ortonville, Teresa Kreir of Centennial, CO, and James (Mary) Korstjens of Milbank; his mother-in-law, Irene Carl, of Correll; sister-in-law, Cheryl Carl, of Correll; nieces, nephews, and other relatives. He is preceded in death by his parents; an infant sister; his father-in-law, Chester Carl; brother-in-law, Chuck Carl and grandparents: John and Katherine Korstjens and Anthony and Mary VanStralen.
