Remembering Kathy Korpi

Pictured left to right are Kim Mitchell, Joan Korpi, their mother Kathy, and Kevin Korpi.

Kathy Korpi was born on August 20, 1941 to Adolph and Frances Legat in Toledo, and from that day on, Winlock would never be the same. Kathy graduated from Winlock High School in 1959; she traveled to Germany in 1960 to marry her high school sweetheart that same year.

Kathy and Jerry settled in Winlock where they raised their three children, Kim, Joan and Kevin. They were a staple in the Winlock community, attending most of the events around town.

Kathy gave so much to her community. She was the city clerk for many years, and everyone who came into the city offices was welcomed with a smile and a kind, "How can I help you?" She was a welcoming face to everyone who entered.

Cy Meyer, former Winlock mayor remembered, "I had a great time working with Kathy. She was very good at being the city clerk."
Kathy's daughter Kim recalled of her mother, "She loved the community, she was proud to be a part of the community and raise her family here."

The community loved Kathy as well. Whenever she was at a community function there were many people who would gather around her. She was Winlock and Winlock was her.

Kathy was a volunteer for several community entities. She volunteered at the Winlock Senior Center, the Lioness Club, and with the Egg Day Committee. Kathy sold advertising for the Egg Day Committee. As her daughter Kim said, "She was hard to say no to."

When it came time for her family, son Kevin said, "She never missed anything. She never missed my boy playing baseball."
Daughter Joan agreed, saying of her mom, "She was there rain or shine."

Kim added, "She made every grandkid feel like they were her favorite. She was doing well with texting and Facebook. She would FB the grandkids just to see how they were doing."

When her kids needed help, Kim, Joan and Kevin all agreed, "She never said no. She was always there."

"She was everyone's nana," Kim continued, "She was a natural. She showed no favoritism to her kids or grandkids."
Kim said Archie Curtis described her mom best, saying, "She was larger than life in an understated way."

Kathy truly was larger than life, dedicating her life to her family, her community, and to those who lived here. We, the community, will miss Kathy; she was the bright spot in everyone's day.

Kathy will be honored at Egg Day this year, serving as the grand marshal posthumously. A wonderful honor for a beautiful lady!