Frederick "Fritz" Korthals

     Frederick “Fritz” Korthals, age 87, of Worthington, passed away Tuesday, October 24, 2023 in his home. He was born on August 13, 1936, on a farm near George, Iowa to Fred and Dena (Zorgdrager) Korthals. Fritz grew up working with his dad on various farms in the area, and he graduated from Okabena High School in 1956. Upon graduation, he began working at Hanson’s Town & Country Furniture in Worthington. On August 9, 1958, Fritz married Roberta (Bobbie) Pedersen in Ruthton, Minnesota. They were married for 60 years before her passing in May 2019. Fritz worked at Hanson’s for 31 years and then became the manager at Rickbeil’s Furniture Store in Worthington. He continued to work at Rickbeil’s until 1998. He was best known for his outstanding customer service throughout the tri-state area, and he always said that he was blessed to love his job and never considered it “work.”

     Fritz loved fishing, hunting, jogging, traveling, playing cards, and most of all, being with family and friends. Fritz ran in the Worthington Turkey Day 10k races for over 40 years – with his last 10K race at age 82. He also completed the Twin Cities Marathon twice, which he enjoyed very much. Fritz was a long-time member of the American Reformed Church in Worthington, where he served as Deacon, Elder, and Sunday School Teacher for many years. In retirement, Fritz spent much of his time putting a smile on the faces of his friends and neighbors by mowing their lawn or snow blowing their driveway, baking chocolate chip "Fritz Cookies” and pies, or preparing a fish fry.

     Together, Fritz and Bobbie had three children -- Brian, Lisa, and Kim. He enjoyed going to their school activities, and he fostered in his kids his drive and hard work ethic in whatever they did. One of Fritz’s mottos was, “If you’re going to do it, DO IT!” – and that he did. He definitely lived life to its fullest, and had fun no matter the situation.

     Fritz is survived by his two daughters, Lisa (Paul) Schutte, Rushmore; and Kim Korthals, Worthington; daughter-in-law, Lorraine Korthals, Worthington; five grand-daughters, Erin (Tyler) Schutte Wadzinski, Sarah Korthals, Amy (Scott) Vanderzee, Marin Korthals, and Erika (Jocelyn) Schutte; four great-grandchildren, Alice Micek, Benjamin Vanderzee, Anneliese Wadzinski, and Ivy Vanderzee; brother Ed Korthals, and many nieces, nephews, and special friends.

     He was preceded in death by his wife Bobbie Korthals, son Brian Korthals, parents Fred and Dena Korthals, in-laws Alfred and Bernice Pedersen, and six siblings.

     Visitation will be from 5-7pm on Friday, October 27 at the American Reformed Church, Worthington, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at the American Reformed Church, Worthington on Saturday, October 28 at 11am. A lunch will be held after the service, followed by burial at 2pm at the Sunset Rest Cemetery, Rushmore.

     In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Sunset Hospice Cottage, PO Box 203, Worthington, MN 56187.

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