Konrad Anton Korff was born before cell phones, DVD’s, credit cards and microwave ovens. A loaf of bread was 8 cents, postage stamps were 3 cents, a gallon of gas was 16 cents, and a new car cost about $600.00.
On November 24, 1935 Valdermar Heinvik Korff and Dagmar Agnethe (Lauerson) Korff gave birth to their second son in Haderslev, Denmark. He grew up in Denmark attending school thru the 8th grade. His teacher then shared with Konrad what trade he believed he would excel in. Konrad’s was in carpentry. So he continued his education to become a carpenter. Konrad was 15 years old when he boarded a ship to America having his 16th birthday on the way. He arrived in New York City coming thru Ellis Island in December of 1951. From there he traveled to Wells, Minnesota to stay with his Aunt Anna. While there he got a job working for her neighbor doing farm work. It happened that his employer’s wife was a school teacher and she insisted that Konrad talk only in English. She would not give him anything unless he asked for it in English. He shared that it didn’t take him long to learn, as he loved to eat and lunch time at the table turned out to be English lessons.
Konrad moved to Rockham, South Dakota with his Uncle John after a couple of years in Wells. There he again worked for a neighbor doing farm work. The farmer had Konrad driving a large combine and after that he forgot all about his carpentry career. A new love had taken hold of his heart. He took great pride in being trusted with such an important piece of equipment at such a young age.
Konrad moved to Glendale, California after a few years of farming, living close to his Uncle Aksel. There he met his future bride Mary Ann Faber. They were married at the Silver Bells wedding chapel in Las Vegas, Nevada on September 5th 1959. From this union two daughters were born; Mary Agnethe in 1960 and Betty Jean in 1961. They chose to move back to Rockham, South Dakota to raise their family, and lived there for the next 43 years. Konrad made a living for his family as a welder, and was a hobby farmer on the side, raising chickens, pigs, and a small herd of cows. But his pride and joy were his Belgian horses. He went on covered wagon trail rides, plowed the soil and put up hay with his Belgians. In the summer he gave hay rides and in the winter he gave sled rides to all grandkids, family, or friends who wanted to join in.
In June of 2008 Konrad and Mary Ann left their little 100 acre ranch in South Dakota and moved to Fairview, Montana to be closer to their girls. While in Fairview he particularly enjoyed going to senior meals and socializing with the local men and women. He was always willing to play a game of cards (hand and foot) any time of the day or week; and was even playing with family and friends a couple of days before his death. He enjoyed sharing stories about his life in Denmark, tales of the Vikings he had heard as a child, and would burst into Danish song when he had an audience, singing Silent Night or the Tale of David and Goliath.
Konrad collected antiques that told a story about farming in the old days. He would spend time in his shop using his welding talent with metal, making plant hangers, wall décor, and even a few cowboys swinging their lassoes. He loved cowboy shows, and resting his eyes (napping) in his lazyboy. His love for trees was immense. He planted many of them in his lifetime, and he would not allow any to be cut down in his yard if they still had a chance to live. His ability to see injustices and speak up about them uplifted others and spurred them to become better people themselves. He left a memorable imprint on the lives of his family and friends.
Konrad passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his family.
The assistance shown by Hospice during his last months was first rate. Konrad spent most of his time at home the last year of his life. And the family extends a special gratitude to all who gave of their time to visit, send cards, or make a phone call to brighten his and Mary Ann’s day.
There is a saying that love never dies, but the body does. And our love and memories of him will continue thru out our lives.
Konrad is survived by: his wife of 58 years Mary Ann Korff of Fairview; his two daughters, Mary (Jim) Fink of Fairview and Betty (Dale) Lee of Sidney; he leaves 6 devoted grandchildren: Jami, Mike, Joe, Chad, Mark and Bryan; 14 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.
Konrad is preceded in death by his parents and three siblings Ove Korff, Marie AhYun, and Solvi Korff.

Memorial Contribution