Mr. Richard Korteling

Richard Truesdell Korteling, age 87, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 11, 2024. He was preceded by his wife of 61 years, Barbara (Peacock) Korteling on January 26, 2024. Richard was born on October 7, 1936, in Saginaw, Michigan, to Arthur K. and Edith (Truesdell) Korteling, both now deceased. Richard lived in Fairgrove, Michigan, then Blufton, Indiana and finally Lebanon, Indiana where he spent his teenage years, starting his working life as a newspaper delivery boy for the Lebanon Reporter and later working as a clerk at Akerman Drugs. After graduating from Lebanon Senior High School, Richard earned a degree in electrical engineering from Purdue University, where he was a proud member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. Upon graduation in 1958, Richard served as an active-duty communications officer in the Air Force, stationed on Kwajalein in the South Pacific. Following his military service, he embarked on a telecommunications career, first working at Bell Labs in New Jersey before relocating to Atlanta, Georgia, where he continued to work for the Bell Systems: Southern Bell, Bell South and later AT&T. Along the way, he earned an MBA at Georgia State University. During Richard’s time at Fort Sumter, Georgia, his close friend Phil Gaines arranged a blind date for him with Barbara Peacock. Richard recently stated that the happiest moment of his life was the day he exchanged vows with Barbara. Together, they were blessed with two devoted children, Karen and David. As a family, they enjoyed lots of laughter around the dinner table and numerous enriching travels to connect with relatives and to explore both the United States and Europe. Richard was proud to have visited all fifty states. Richard and Barbara were ardent supporters of the Atlanta Braves, frequently spending their evenings enjoying a game together. During the off-season, they directed their enthusiasm toward other sports, particularly college basketball, cheering fervently for their favorite teams. Richard's kindness, gentleness, and honesty endeared him to those around him. An intellectual with a love for chess, Sudoku and cryptograms, he possessed an insatiable appetite for learning. To help himself fall asleep he would recite the U.S. states in order of admission to the Union or list the presidents in sequence. He enjoyed gazing at the moon and stars through his telescopes and delving into discussions on the theory of relativity. His clever wit revealed his sense of awe toward life and set others at ease, with laughter as a bridge to fostering connection. Richard's wisdom, patience and compassion made him an unofficial mentor and a source of understanding for many. Richard was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Charlotte Anne Matthew. He is survived by his two adoring children: daughter Karen Korteling, of Palatine, Illinois, and son David Korteling, of Washington, D.C. Richard leaves behind two dear grandchildren, Ray Rothschild and Sawyer Rothschild, as well as two beloved nieces. Richard’s steadfast goodwill for others will be remembered with fondness and gratitude. For those who knew him, he will always serve as an inspiration for virtue, kindness, and lifelong learning. A joint memorial service will take place for Richard and Barbara on Sunday, February 25 at 1 p.m. at Northside Chapel at 12050 Crabapple Road, Roswell, GA 30075, (770) 645-1414, followed by interment at Arlington Memorial Park at 201 Mt. Vernon Highway NW, Sandy Springs, GA 30328, 404-255-0750. Memorials to honor Richard may be made to the Purdue Electrical and Computer Engineering scholarship fund through this direct link: https://connect.purdue.edu/InMemoryofRichardKorteling. Please visit https://www.northsidechapel.com/obituaries/ to share memories and leave condolences for the family.

Mr. Richard Korteling

October 7, 1936 - February 11, 2024