Karen Sue Korte

Karen Sue Korte, 74, of Windsor, Colorado, passed away from natural causes on August 10, 2026, at Medical Center of the Rockies in Loveland, Colorado, surrounded by the love of her family.

Karen was born on January 14, 1952, in Wichita, Kansas, to Forrest and Marie Anderson. She grew up in the small community of Burdick, Kansas, where she graduated from Burdick High School. She went on to attend the Kansa State Teachers College of Emporia, earning a Bachelor of Science in Education and later a Master of Science degree from Emporia State University.

On June 7, 1975, Karen married Gary Korte, beginning more than 51 years of marriage and a life together centered around family, love, and many shared adventures. After college, Karen and Gary lived in Topeka, Kansas, before making their home in Emporia, Kansas where they raised their three children. In 2020, they moved to Windsor, Colorado, to enjoy their retirement closer to family and the mountains that Karen loved.

Teaching was more than Karen’s career; it was one of the greatest joys of her life. She began her career teaching second grade in Topeka before moving to Emporia, where she worked as a reading teacher and later taught second grade. Karen had a genuine love for children and education and found great fulfillment in helping young people learn and grow. Even after retiring from the classroom, she continued that work part time with Kansas State Research and Extension, visiting elementary schools throughout Emporia to teach children about nutrition, and fully retired in 2016.

Outside of the classroom, Karen found happiness in nature and in the people she loved most. She enjoyed gardening, hiking, trips to the mountains, and traveling, especially to Hawaii. Above all, Karen treasured time with her family. Being a wife, mother, and grandmother brought her tremendous joy, and she especially cherished time spent with her four grandchildren.

Karen is survived by her husband, Gary Korte of Windsor, Colorado; her children, Erik Korte and his wife, Sarah of Louisville, KY; Ian Korte and his girlfriend, Alia Roinestad of Estes Park, CO; and Erin Hauser and her husband, Jayson or Windsor, CO. She is also survived by her four beloved grandchildren, Mackenzie Korte (11), Jackson Hauser (10), Regan Korte (7), and Landon Hauser (6).

She was preceded in death by her parents, Forrest and Marie Anderson, who passed away on April 17, 2015.

Karen’s family invites friends and loved ones to join them for a Celebration of Life on Sunday, August 16, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at 1153 Finch Street, Loveland, Colorado 80537. Parking is limited. There is street parking, but if carpooling is an option, please do so. If you have any questions regarding the time or place of the Celebration, please contact Karen's daughter Erin at 620-341-0334.

In honor of Karen’s love of Hawaii and the happiness it brought her, guests are encouraged to wear Hawaiian-themed clothing or bright colors. Refreshments will be provided as family and friends gather to celebrate Karen and the life she shared with so many.

A private viewing for immediate family will be held prior to the celebration. Karen will be cremated. Arrangements are being handled by Goes Funeral Home in Fort Collins, Colorado.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that those wishing to honor Karen consider making a donation to an organization that reflected her compassion for children and others, including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, UNICEF’s K.I.N.D. Fund (Kids in Need of Desks), or The Gardens on Spring Creek in Fort Collins, CO. To help assist you with a donation, or answer any questions, please call Karen's daughter Erin at 620-341-0334.

The Korte family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff and residents of Green House Homes at Mirasol for creating a true home away from home for Karen during the final months of her life. The care, friendship, support, and happiness you gave her meant more to Karen and her family than words can adequately express. The family is also deeply grateful to the staff at Medical Center of the Rockies for the compassion and excellent care they provided Karen.

Finally, the family wishes to thank the many friends and loved ones who offered their support throughout Karen’s health journey. The kindness, friendship, visits, messages, help, and love shown to Karen and her family have been overwhelming. No words can fully express how grateful the family is for the outpouring of support they have received.

Karen devoted much of her life to helping children learn and grow, caring for the people around her, and finding joy in family and the beauty of the world around her. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.