Virginia D. Korte

Virginia D. Korte passed away Saturday, June 21, 2014 at Gardenside Long Term Care in Fairbury, NE. She was born December 16th, 1921 on a farm near Stratton, NE., the only daughter of Gideon and Freida Lammel. She was baptized at the Wauneta, NE. Lutheran Church.
When she was 13, the family moved to Plymouth, NE., to join relatives. She was confirmed there at the Evangelical and Reformed Church in 1936 (Methodist Church). She attended Plymouth High School, graduating in 1939.

After graduation, she went to work for the Lincoln Telephone Company in Plymouth. She was contacted by the U.S. Government to take a position overseas in their Communications Department. Because of her brother, Norval’s failing health her parents declined her taking the position. During WWII she worked at the Farmers Mercantile in Plymouth. Among her duties she lifted heavy bags of feed so the ladies could get three bags alike to make a dress. At night she and her father unloaded train cars full of coal by hand until midnight to earn extra money for Norval’s care.

On January 27th, 1946 she married Marvin Korte at the Evangelical and Reformed Church after he returned from the war. The couple then moved to Fairbury, NE. In Fairbury she worked for Lambert’s Cleaners, which later became Miles Cleaners. She worked at the Kellwood Sewing Plant, as head of the cafeteria. She also helped her husband run Marv’s Liquor. In July of 1982, she was one of the original employees of the Wal-Mart Store. She worked there for over 32 years in the fabric department, where she enjoyed helping quilters and beginning sewers.

She was a faithful Wal-Mart employee until the time of her death.
Recently when the doctor in Lincoln asked her if she had any children, she replied 86 children. When he expressed his amazement, she explained that she was the Wal-Mart MOM.

She spent her life taking care of others, even nursing every member of her family at one time or another. She also enjoyed sewing, baking and her flower gardens in her spare time.

She was preceded in death by her husband Marvin, her parents, brothers; Norval and Ray, sister-in-law Alvina and nephew Gary.
She is survived by life-long friends Cheryl Klockner, Elissa & Tom Votipka, her Wal-Mart children, church family and a host of other friends.

Services will be Saturday, June 28, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at the Faith Lutheran Church in Fairbury, Nebraska with Pastor Ken Hart officiating. Memorials will go to the family’s choice. Burial will be in the Woodlawn Cemetery, Plymouth, Nebraska. Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home in Fairbury is in charge of the arrangements.