Philip Ray Korthanke, age 93, of Hiawatha, passed away on November 13, 2020, at the Hiawatha Hospital surrounded by family. 

Phil was born in Robinson, February 13, 1927, one of five children born to the late F.P. and Elizabeth Lynd Korthanke and has lived in the Brown County area all of his life.  He grew up and attended country schools prior to graduating with the class of 1945 at Hiawatha High School.  Phil joined the US Navy and proudly served his country during World War II.  Phil mentioned a couple memorable occasions while in the Navy was crossing the Pacific Ocean 3 times on the USS Meriwether APA 203.  He also said flying an airplane at 20 years old.  He returned to Brown County to farm and often worked on construction projects in the winter for neighbors and loved ones.  He had a green thumb and loved gardening.  His flower garden at his home on Iroquois street in Hiawatha was one of the most beautiful parts of the city for years.  As a child, Philip helped his grandfather, Theodore, plant many of the beautiful maple trees all over Hiawatha.

Philip was a warm, welcoming, and hardworking man.  He was also a charmer.  He married the love of his life, Anna Margaret Clary, in 1951.  The two of them met on an arranged double date when Philip, after seeing Annie, coaxed her into the front seat with him even though she wasn’t supposed to be his date.  Later, when Philip decided that he’d parachute candy down from a single-engine plane to some of the local girls he knew, Annie refused to run out and collect hers.  He landed the plane in the pasture and hand-delivered the candy instead.  They were quite a pair. 

Phil’s faith was very important to him and a longtime member of the Christian Center in Hiawatha; also, the Hedrick-Moll Post #148, Robinson American Legion. 

Philip was the patriarch of a large and loving family.  He loved hosting family get-togethers and spending time with his kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids.  He is survived by his sons: Dave, Jim, Rick (Janice), Mark (Gina) and daughter, Lisa Neher (Tim); 16 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, and sister, Betty Jo Burris. 

Philip was preceded in death by his wife Annie February 29, 2016; his brothers, Bob (Verneal) and Glen (Bessie); his sister, Dorothy; and daughter-in-law, Charliss.

SOCIAL DISTANCING TO BE OSBERVED AND MASKS REQUIRED

Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, Hiawatha after 12 noon Sunday, where the family will be present from 2 until 6 p.m. Sunday. 

Celebration of Life Service will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, November 16, at the Christian Center, 519 N First St., Hiawatha.  Pastor Tony French will officiate.  Interment will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Hiawatha, with military honors a courtesy of Brown County Veterans Honor Guard.

In celebration of Philip’s life the family requests donations be made towards to Philip Korthanke Memorial Fund to be designated later by the family, sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., 66434.

A special message or note of remembrance may be sent to www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com

The service will be posted live on the funeral home group page: Chapel Oaks Hiawatha & Highland Ks