Col. Quentin "Bill" William Korte

Col. Korte passed on to the Lord on May 29, 2023 at the age of 94 in San Antonio, Texas. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio to Herman A. and Cecelia T. Korte (nee Tallen), the fifth of eight children (Margaret, Kenneth, Justin, Hilary, (Bill), Rainer, Daria and Brendan). He was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Marilyn (Lyn) Estelle Korte (nee Timmers) of Cincinnati and Southgate, KY, along with his parents, brothers Kenneth, Justin, Rainer, and his sisters Margaret and Hilary. He is survived by his sister Daria, brother Brendan, and his six children, Kevin, Scott, Douglas, Kimberly (Richard Mella), Craig, and Brian, ten grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren.

He graduated from St. Catherine of Siena Catholic School in 1943 and Western Hills High School in 1947. Col. Korte enlisted in the Air Force before the Korean War and served on active duty for over 35 years, including 7 years in enlisted status where he progressed to the grade of Technical Sergeant. He attended Officer Candidate School and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant on March 16, 1956. He was then promoted through the officer grades to Lieutenant Colonel. He earned a BS and MS in Computer Information Systems from Colorado State University, and also graduated from the Air University's Air Command and Staff College. His specialties were in Personnel Management and Computer Information Systems. Key assignments included Officer Resource Manager, Officer Assignment Division, Air Force Military Personnel Center, where he was responsible for worldwide assignment of 5,500 Communication and Electronic Officers (Lt. Col and below). He was Director of Personnel for the 56th Combat Support Group, 56th Special Operations Wing, Nakhom Phanom RTAFB, Thailand; and Chief of the Personnel Systems Plans Branch, Directorate of Personnel Plans, HQ USAF, the Pentagon. In this position, his unique duties included Air Force Liaison to the Defense Manpower Commission and Air Force Member of the Secretary of Defence Working Group on Military Unions. His final assignment was as Chief of the Management Information Division, Directorate of Personnel Data Systems, Air Force Military Personnel Center at Randolph AFB, TX.

His Air Force awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor Device, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with 3 loops, National Defense Service Medal with one star, and Air Force Expeditionary Medal.

In a second career, Col. Korte spent 18 years as an Associate Professor of Electronic Commerce and Information Systems at Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio. He also held administrative positions as Associate Dean of the School of Business and Director of the MBA Program. He was a Certified Data Processor (CDP) and Certified Systems Professional (CSP).

Throughout his life, Bill was blessed with a wonderful 68-year marriage, had six beautiful and talented children, earned two college degrees, and enjoyed two immensely successful careers. He was known for being a "giver" of his time and talents. He was a blood donor (28 units), a Boy Scout leader, Little League Coach and a long-time member of the Lions Club. Bill was also a devout Catholic and was active at St Pius X Catholic Church in San Antonio serving as a Sacristan, Eucharistic Minister, Lector, financial contributor, sometimes Altar Server and a member of the Liturgy Commission.

A private family service will be held following cremation.

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