Emma Korstange's Obituary
Mrs. Emma (Majer) Korstange, age 97, died early Saturday morning, October 18, 2003, in Mercy Hospital after a 2 week illness. She was born in 1905 in Germany, the oldest of 6 children. Her parents were Marie Rosenberger and Albert Majer. Emma was educated in her home town of Freudental, Germany, and at 17 years of age, made the courageous decision to emigrate by herself to the United States, passing through Ellis Island in 1923. She settled first in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where she met her husband, Peter C. Korstange, whom she married in 1924. They moved to Muskegon in 1929 and settled in their home in Wolf Lake where Peter lived until his death in 1973 and Emma remained for over 74 years until her death. In the 1930’s, Emma was involved in the Wolf Lake Minstrels, a group that put on fund-raising shows to benefit school programs. Their good works included paying for vision screening and dental work for the school children. She was employed in machine shops during the war and then worked at the former Federals’ and Grossmans’ department stores until her retirement. She was also involved in the early retail labor movement. SURVIVORS include her daughter, Betty (James) Crooks of Lexington Park, Maryland; 7 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; 2 sisters in Germany, Frieda Kallenbarger and Maria Ruff; and special friends who walked, talked, and shared coffee with her. Emma was preceded in death by her husband, Peter; son, Raymond and his wife, Madalyn Korstange. There will be a Memorial Service held 12 Noon Wednesday, October 22, 2003, at the Wolf Lake United Methodist Church (370 Vista Terrace) with Pastor Bobby Cabot officiating. Memorials to the Wolf Lake United Methodist Church Sunday School Building Fund will be appreciated.
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