John G. Korte was born August 30, 1881 in Farming, Minn., the eighth child of John B. Korte and Katherine Bloms. Anna Bergermann was born November 14, 1880 in Buer Westfalen, Germany, and came to America at the age of 5. They were married in St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Farming, Minn., USA on September 10, 1907. Grandpa and his father John B. Korte (1842-1923) came in the spring of 1907 to work and live on the homestead. Grandpa’s father went back to Minnesota in June 1907 and Grandpa stayed until September and then went back to get married to Anna. They moved to their homestead shortly after in October of 1907 and lived and farmed near Annaheim until 1917. At this point, they moved 2 miles east of Muenster to be closer to family and education. Children John, Mary, Joseph and Anthony were born at Annaheim but Anthony passed away in infancy and is buried in Annaheim. Brigitta, Barbara and Benedict were born in Muenster, all born at home except Benedict who was born in the hospital in Humboldt. Five children after Benedict, 3 girls and 2 boys all died in hospital shortly after birth. They are buried in the Muenster cemetery “Child of John G. Korte.” John and Anna are buried in St. Peter’s Cemetery with their children John Korte, Joseph Korte, Brigitta Hinz, and Barbara Jonas. Mary Bocklage and Benedict Korte are buried in Flin Flon, Manitoba. Adopted son Thomas Joseph is buried in Moose Jaw, SK. On this celebration day of July 11, 2010 they are survived by a daughter Elsie (Korte) Koch of Kenora, Ontario.
We thank St. Peter’s Parish restoration and centennial committee for the opportunity to contribute to our “home” parish by commemorating the life and legacy of our grandparents John G. and Anna Korte, nee Bergermann.
By this stained glass window, the descendants of John and Anna honour and celebrate their exemplary lives of faithfulness, prayer and humble example to their families and to God, through their humble participation in the life of this parish.
What greater symbolism than to see “the light” that brightens the parish home of our faith, faith lived with unwavering devotion and prayerful commitment. Everything they represented to us and their parish centered around their prayer, family and parish life.
We see symbols of their Catholic faith: Eucharist at Holy Mass, family Rosary, Mount Carmel, a prayerful happy home.
We chose symbols of music and family because John and Anna lived in song, with instruments: “Make a lound Hallelujah sound with cymbals and strings.” They lived the example of nurturing happiness with family music and song.
We chose a symbol of bread being ever thankful to God for the gardens and crops that sustained them in their pioneer struggles.
We chose a symbol of plowing their homestead land.
MAY THEY AND ALL WHOM WE LOVE, REST IN PEACE.
By Dennis Korte
Installation Date: June 8, 2010
Blessing Date: November 14, 2010