Korte is looking forward to starting a new chapter

HARTINGTON — Fr. Owen Korte’s retirement is drawing near.

He is excited for the future and reminiscing on his priesthood.

He is most looking forward to having fewer responsibilities.

“I look forward to the release of pressures and not having to be responsible for as many things a priest has to do for his parish.” He said. “I took my responsibilities very seriously and in the process tried to bring people into unity.”

He was ordained 44 years ago and was first assigned to Mary Our Queen in Omaha.

From there, he went to St. Patrick in O’Neill, where he was appointed Superintendent of St. Mary’s.

From 1990-1991, Korte lived in Wynot and worked as the treasurer of East Catholic, taught sophomore Theology at Cedar Catholic, and taught psychology at Wynot.

His next assignment was at St. Boniface in Elgin. Then, he moved on to St. Patrick in Fremont where he helped build the new church and a new grade school.

“One of the highpoints of my career was building the new church in Fremont. Everybody still remarks how beautiful that church is,” Korte said.

After that, he guided St. Gerald in Ralston.

Finally, Fr. Korte came to Holy Trinity Church in Hartington.

“One of my biggest accomplishments was moving Cedar Catholic from a priest directed school to a board of directors that has a lay president,' he said 'I went through the process with a great committee. I think we are in really great shape.”

Fr. Korte has decided to reside in Hartington after he retires.

“I have developed some neat friendships here and I plan on con- tinuing those relationships." Korte said. "I like the town, everything is convenient. We have a great grocery store. I like the rural area much more than the city, especially the pace." Fr. Korte came up with a great analogy to better explain how he feels about his retirement.

“I was riding a horse that was pulling a whole bunch of wagons. Now I’m riding a horse that doesn’t have to pull too many wagons.

Maybe even just a little trailer," he said. “I want to stay on the horse though and do what God is calling me to do."

A retirement party is set for July 13 at the Msgr. Werner Activities Center in Hartington from 11:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Lunch is from 11:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. and the program begins at 2 p.m.