Mary E. Korte, 87, of Kelly, Kansas, died Friday, June 9, 2000, at the Country View Estates care home in Seneca. She entered the care home on April 17, 2000.

She was born September 23, 1912, on a farm southwest of Kelly, the daughter of Frank and Elizabeth Macke Wessel. Mary grew up there and attended St. Bede’s School in Kelly.

On May 30, 1931, she married Albert B. Korte at St. Bede’s Church in Kelly. They lived and farmed near Corning for nine years before moving southeast of Kelly. They farmed and operated a dairy until 1968 when they retired and moved into Kelly. Her husband Albert preceded her in death on January 31, 1972.

Mary worked part-time at the Hulsing Grocery Store and the U.S. Post Office in Kelly for several years. She also substituted for the school secretary at the Kelly school.

She was a member of St. Bede’s Catholic Church in Kelly and a past president of St. Ann’s Altar Society at the church. She also taught religion classes at the church.

Survivors are a son, Robert Korte of Goff, Kansas; two daughters, Gladys Niehaus of Lake City, Minnesota and Anna Kramer of Seneca; three brothers, Albert Wessel of Seneca, Andrew Wessel and George Wessel, both of Kelly; a sister, Rita Stuke of Seneca; 18 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and a great-great-grandchild.

Mass of Christian burial will be 10:30 AM Monday, June 12, at St. Bede’s Church in Kelly. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Rosaries will be prayed at 2 & 7 PM Sunday at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca.

Memorials may be given for St. Bede’s Cemetery, and sent in care of the family.