Jonathan Robert Korte

Jonathan Robert Korte passed away in his sleep Sunday, May 31, 2020 while staying at his  parents' home in Lenexa, KS.  He was born November 15, 1982 in Temple, TX to Dr. Stephen and Judy (Mainquist) Korte.

Jon was preceded in death by his brother Sean Michael Korte in 2008.  He is survived by his parents, brother Jason Korte and his daughters Antonia and Lauren of Nederland, CO, his sister Stephenie Korte of San Diego, CA , his grandmother Mary Catherine Korte of Lawrence, KS, his very dear friend Martina Smith of Vallejo, CA and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, close friends and pets.

Along the way, he attended grade schools in Texas and Wisconsin, and high school at Blue Valley, Overland Park, KS.  Like his father, sister, several aunts and uncles and quite a few cousins he was a proud graduate of the University of Kansas, receiving his bachelor's degree in biochemistry.

Jonathan faced more challenges in his lifetime than any one person should ever have to face.  But no matter how many times life dragged him down he always rose back up, often amidst a flurry of ridiculously adorable kitten photos texted to his friends and family to lift them up with him.  If he wasn't kitten bombing his loved ones, he was amusing them through his love of Monty Python (in middle school he had memorized the entire script to The Holy Grail), or Gary Larson comics.  All of this between sending out the latest photos of his own precious feline and canine fur babies.  And just in case that wasn't enough love to go around, there were plenty more photos of the animals he volunteered with at the kitten nursery and the local Humane Society.

Smarter and wiser than he ever realized, he often irritated his friends and classmates with his agility in learning subjects such as biochemistry.  And it is a rare person indeed who grew up in a bedroom containing voluminous historical biographies, every word J. R. R. Tolkien ever wrote, a collection of hard science fiction novels , all the James Herriot books (all of which he read numerous times) as well as both electric and acoustic guitars on which he played music ranging from Andres Segovia to Metallica and Nine Inch Nails.

Consuming food and beverages around him was a dangerous sport as his unexpected and witty sense of humor was as stealthy and understated as he was.  Shooting liquid out your nose or choking on your burger while cackling was not out of the question.  Although his sense of humor was finally honed,  his true sport of choice was CrossFit.

Although his many health issues always left him feeling he wanted and needed to do and be more in the world, his greatest legacy is far grander than any single accomplishment.  Trying to contact all of his family and friends and track down all the people whose lives he touched as well as the incredible outpouring of love shown by all those people to Jonathan's parents and living siblings is his contribution.  His love enriched all of their lives.

Memorials may be given to the Humane Society of your choice.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 27th at 11:00 at Atonement Lutheran Church, 9948 Metcalf Avenue, Overland Park, KS. A boxed luncheon will follow the service.  Social distancing will be observed.  Thank you for respecting the family's wishes by wearing a mask.

Interment will be later that same day in Emporia, Ks.