Posted: 6/16/04
By Barbara Brown
Roger Korf is a great teacher ñ just as his students; or the staff; or the administrators in the North Branch School District.
Korf, whose last name also has become a nick-name of sorts in North Branch schools, has worked for more than 25 years as a special education teacher.
During a special meeting of the employees of the North Branch School District on June 4, Korf was roasted and honored by his colleagues.
Those who spoke on Korfís behalf not only talked about the fun they have had working with him for the past nearly three decades, but also were serious and heart-felt when they described his undying love of his career and the students he serves.
Korf was given a plaque from the North Branch School board as well as a second plaque from the North Branch Education Association.
As an addition, Korf was memorialized in a video and slide show that showed him through the years, both in casual and school pictures.
Part of the video included testimonials from some of the students and teachers Korf has ñ as he said ñ had the privilege of serving.
The students described a man who is both tough and caring, understanding and stern. They spoke of how Korfís influence and assistance in their lives made it possible for them to graduate.
They said Korf showed he cared for them every day they were in class.
When Korf arose to speak, he started slowly, softly, seemingly on the brink of tears.
He thanked everyone for their expressions and moved on to clarify that his passion is for education.
The most important people in the school are the students, Korf said.
He talked about how it becomes easier to teach students when you speak to them on their level and listen to them more than you speak.
Students will tell you what they want and need, Korf told the teacher s, administrators and school board members gathered to honor him.
They just have to listen.
Other district employees recognized at the June 4 breakfast meeting were:
15 years of service: Lynn Fairfield, media specialist; Rosie Klopp, office clerk; Cindy Lelm, paraprofessional; Jennifer Rediske, teacher; Kathy Robatcek, teacher; Harley Twingstrom, custodian; Dena Vieth-Loher, teacher; Christ Weiss-Klatt, teacher; Cindy Wendorf, teacher;
20 years of service: Doug Bloom, teacher; Nancy Boyce, teacher; Karla Meemken, teacher; Teresa Moriarty, teacher; Kristi Sampson, paraprofessional;
25 years of service: David Ambers, teacher; William Baumann, teacher; Larry Brodin, teacher; Sue Howard, teacher; Ron Johanson, teacher; Al Jones, teacher; Mike Leadholm, teacher; Jeanne Leland, Community Education Director; Karen Londin, preschool teacher; Ted Martin, teacher, Larry Schlagel, teacher; Barb Steeves, personnel secretary;
30 years of service: Roger Gryskiewicz, teacher; Tom Moriarty, teacher; and
35 years of service: Joan Kelly, teacher.
School district employees who retired this year were: Kathy Cole, bus driver; Ron Fitch, bus driver; Janice Heitschmidt, teacher; Joan Kelly, teacher; Marilyn Moorman, speech clinician; Vickie Reisnouer, teacher; Janet Rose, teacher; Carol State, paraprofessional; and John Sterk, teacher.
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