Willis Thorwald Korum

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Korum, Willis Thorwald Age 91, died peacefully on April 28, 2014 surrounded by his family. Willis was a beloved husband, father and grandfather. He never missed an opportunity to tell his family how proud he was of each one. Willis was born in Deer Creek, MN on January 30, 1923, and lived there through his high school graduation. He served his country in WWII in the Army Air Corps 99th Bomb Group, where he flew 50 B-17 missions as a Radio Operator. On May 1, 1948 he married Mary Libra and together they raised 11 children. They lived in Bloomington for the first 26 years, where Willis built 2 homes for his growing family. His real passion was his Northfield "Sugardale" farm where they moved in 1974 and Willis grew a variety of crops. He worked at Northwest Airlines for 41 years, starting out as a groomer and retiring as a 747 co-pilot. Willis was preceded in death by his father and mother, Thorwald and Christine Korum; his sisters, Arlene, Joan and newborn sister, Doris; his eldest son, Duane, and his grandson, Steven Crain. He is survived by his wife, Mary; his sons, Doug (Donna); Greg; Jeff (Laurie) and Steve (Kathy); and his daughters, Pat Korum (Tom); Sandra Cunningham; Teresa Erickson (Curt); Sonja Crain; Anita Nelson (Ken) and Deanna Fjelsted; and 20 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Willis was an avid reader and will always be remembered for his integrity, humility, curiosity, humor and his love of a good story. Memorials preferred to Salvation Army. Visitation is on Thursday, May 1 from 4-8 p.m. Service Friday, May 2 at 11 a.m, with visitation 1 hour prior. Both services will take place at Cremation Society of Minnesota, 7110 France Ave. S. Edina, MN 952-924-4100

Published on May 1, 2014