Roland Korte – September 8, 1930 – August 10, 2015
Lt. Col. (USAF Ret.) Roland Walter Korte took his final flight on August 10, 2015. He was born on the family farm near Leigh, Nebraska on September 8, 1930 to Lydia and Rudolph Korte. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Joan Marston Korte. He leaves behind a twin brother Lee (Cheryl), sisters Lowene (Henry) & Karen (Ron), children Russell (Mary), Stuart (Vicki), Michael, and Karen. Four grandchildren, Jonathon, Lindsey, Christopher and Joshua, as well as great grandson, survive him.
Rol spent 22 years in the United States Air Force. He flew F-84s and F-100s in England and served as a Command Pilot of B-47s and B-52s. He flew over 200 combat B-52 missions over Vietnam. Among other medals and awards, he received the Bronze Star Medal with a “V device” for valor.
Rol never met a stranger. He had a way about him that put you at ease and you knew you were welcomed from the moment he shook your hand. He was truly loved by all who knew him. He was happy harvesting on a John Deere tractor, climbing towards the sun in a fighter jet, or floating down the Frio River on an inner tube. Yet, it was his friends and family who gave him the most pleasure. He will be forever in our hearts. He was a loving husband, devoted father and a true friend.
“Off you go into the wild blue yonder” into the arms of Our Lord.
Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings; Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth Of sun-split clouds – and done a hundred things You have not dreamed of – wheeled and soared and swung High in the sunlit silence. Hov’ring there, I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flung My eager craft through footless halls of air.
Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace Where never lark, or even eagle flew – And, while with silent lifting mind I’ve trod The high untrespassed sanctity of space, Put out my hand and touched the face of God.”
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Fisher House.
Graveside services[were] held at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery on Aug. 28, 2015 with military honors.