John Honeck

On a very personal note.

I lost one of my closest high school friends late last week. We’ve lost touch for one reason or another. I last spoke to him in October. I’ll remember every word.

I did some calligraphy in high school that still hangs in my parents house and it rings so true today. So sorry, I don’t know the author, but here is the poem.

Before It’s Too Late

If you’ve a tender message
Or a loving word to say
Don’t wait till you forget,
But whisper it today.
The tender word unspoken,
The letter never sent,
The long forgotten messages,
The wealth of love unspent.
For these hearts are breaking,
For these loved ones wait,
So show them that you care
Before it is too late.

Sean Korte will be missed. My heart is very heavy.

Update 7/23/08:

The full obituary has now been published:

Sean M. Korte, 39, passed away Thursday, July 17, 2008 at his home in Shawnee, KS. Memorial services will be 2 p.m. Saturday, August 2, 2008 at the Atonement Lutheran Church, 9948 Metcalf, Overland Park, KS. Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Friday, August 1, 2008 at Fremont Lutheran Church Cemetery in Red Oak, IA. Sean was born February 18, 1969 in Red Oak, IA. He graduated from Aquinas High School in La Crosse, WI in 1987 where he avidly played football and wrestled. After high school Sean attended Saint John’s University in Collegeville, MN and later joined the United States Navy and served proudly for five years as a Gunner’s Mate Second Class. After his service in the Navy he pursued his love of cooking and had attended culinary arts school. Sean was an avid outdoorsman and tried to spend as much time as possible camping and hiking. He is survived by his parents, Dr. Stephen and Judy Korte, Shawnee, KS; his grandmother, Mary C. Korte of Arkansas City, KS, a sister Stephenie Korte, Louisville, CO; two brothers, Jonathan Korte, Lawrence, KS; Jason and wife Angela Korte, Lafayette, CO; two nieces Antonia and goddaughter Lauren Korte. Numerous aunts, uncles and many, many cousins will miss him greatly.