Donald Henry Korten

Donald H. Korten, 91 of Battle Creek died peacefully at Calhoun County Medical Care Facility on Monday, January 15, 2018.

Donald Korten was born on December 4, 1926, in Jackson, Michigan, to Phyllis (Burton) and George Korten. He married the love of his life, Jacqualine (Fleming), in 1961. Together, they shared and raised seven children: Michael Korten, Kristin (John) Brown, Jean Edgar, Carol Korten (Barry) Zlotogura, Betsy (Mike) Yusko, Kyle Korten, and Curt (Laura) Korten. He is predeceased by his parents and brother, Roger Korten. Don is survived by his wife, children, ten grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.

Don graduated from Jackson High School and then proudly served in the Navy in World War II. He graduated from Michigan State University after his discharge. At MSU, he was an All American in Back Stroke. Don loved all things water related. He taught his own children and many generations in Battle Creek and Jackson to swim. He built his first scuba tank following instructions in Popular Mechanics and dove throughout the United States. He was a competitive swimmer his whole life, swimming the Goguac Lake Swim an astounding 44 year in a row and competing (and winning) races as a Master's Swimmer into his 80's.

Don retired after 25 years of service as the executive director at the Y Center of Battle Creek. He then embarked on a second career as a stock broker with the First of Michigan finally retiring at 65. Never satisfied to sit still, Don was active in Westlake Presbyterian Church, Gift of Life, Lions Club, Binder Park Zoo, Boy Scouts, Life Long Learning Classes, and other civic organizations too numerous to name. He enjoyed being Santa Claus for the Lions Club Christmas Party for more than 25 years. He received numerous awards for his service including the George Award, Michigan Masters Lifetime Achievement Award, the Shining Star Award, and Michigan Eye Bank Shared Vision Award.

Don and Jackie loved to travel. He is proud to have visited all 50 states and six of the seven continents. In their later years, they enjoyed travelling with Elder Hostels, learning about the culture and wildlife of places they visited. They also enjoyed birdwatching as they traveled.

A service to celebrate Don's life will be held at Westlake Presbyterian Church 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 23, 2018. Inurnment will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made in Don's honor to the Battle Creek Family Y Center, Gift of Life, or Binder Park Zoo.

Arrangements are by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.