Henry Korell

May 26, 1920 - April 11, 2015

Henry Korell TORRINGTON, WY -- Henry Korell, 94, passed away Saturday, April 11, 2015, surrounded by his family, at the Community Hospital in Torrington, Wyoming. Funeral services will be held at 1:30pm Thursday, April 16, 2015 at the First Congregational Church in Torrington with Pastor Matt Gordon officiating. Burial will follow in the Hillcrest Cemetery in Lingle, Wyoming. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Congregational Church. Visitation will be Wednesday from 3-5 p.m. at the funeral home and prior to the service at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of the Colyer Funeral Home and friends may send condolences to the family at www.colyerfuneralhome.com . Henry was born in Cody, Wyoming May 26, 1920, the son of Henry and Elizabeth (Ernst) Korell. He was the youngest of nine children. His family moved to Goshen County in 1923. As a youth, some of his fondest memories happened while living on the Burns Ranch west of Lingle. He attended schools in Lingle and Torrington. On November 23, 1940, Henry was united in marriage to Rachael Heckman. Four sons and two daughters blessed this union. In 1942, Henry enlisted in the Navy. He served two tours of duty as a signalman in the South Pacific. His first tour was on the LST 462. On his second tour he was promoted to signalman 1st Class. He served as a personal signalman for Commander V.A. King on the LST 802, flagship for Squadron 67. His tours of duty started in Australia and ended in Yokohama Japan. He saw some of the heaviest of action in New Guinea, Biak and Okinawa. Henry was proud to have served his country during WWII. In 1947, Henry and Rachael started what became a very successful farming and cattle operation. Henry was an excellent farmer, and was in the Top Ten beet growers several times. They raised and raced quarter horses which brought considerable enjoyment to the family. They enjoyed family outings, which included fishing and sightseeing trips throughout Wyoming. Henry and Rachael always made church first, ensuring a Christian and family life style. In 1972, the family chain was broken when their son Bob was killed in a tragic farming accident. After retirement in 1983, Henry and Rachael moved to their home north of Lingle. Henry enjoyed drawing, painting and wood carving while Rachael gardened and tended her flowers. Henry’s list of civic accomplishments includes being a 4H leader where he co-founded the Rough Riders 4H club. He served on the Selective Service Board and served over 16 years as a County Commissioner. He was instrumental in the construction of the new Court House, Pavillion and Rendezvous Center. Henry was a Charter member and chairman at the Lingle State Bank. He was directly involved in the building of the First Congregational Church. He was also a very active member and held numerous board positions. Henry is survived by sons Wayne (Beth) Korell of Torrington, Alan (Terry) Korell of Lingle, Gary (Tammy) Korell of Torrington; daughters Kathy (Bob) Rose of Scottsbluff, NE, Kayleen (Dan) Wunder of Ft. Laramie; daughter-in-law Patricia (Hayden) Korell of Chula Vista, CA; sister Rose Wells of Torrington, and his very special friend Deb Ehler of Torrington. He is also survived by 17 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. Henry was preceded in death by his parents; wife Rachael; son Robert Henry; sisters Mary Greenwald, Katherine Knoll and Pauline Frank; brothers Henry, John, Jake, and Eddy.