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OBITUARY

THERESA KOREVAAR

December 23, 2009

Theresa (Tess) Korevaar, once a robust, talkative and highly energetic woman, ended her 92 years very quietly with her family at Sun Terrace Assisted Living Center in Sunnyside on Monday evening, Dec. 21, 2009.

This vibrant, hard working woman's life was not glamorous but was lived with honor through her determination and service to others.

Theresa (Tess) Steinbacher, the fourth of 10 children, was born Aug. 9, 1917, in Chilton, Wisc. to Joseph and Klatarina (Matyok) Steinbacher.

Tess's fondest childhood memories were of swimming, fishing and crabbing in Foley, Ala. Learning to swim in the Gulf of Mexico, 12 miles from her home, she became an avid swimmer, which continued throughout her life.

A child of the Great Depression, Tess left school at the age of 14 to help support her family. She moved to Chicago, and worked to the age of 21 as a housekeeper.

In 1936, she met Joseph Korevaar at a square-dance. She thought he was a "spiffy dresser" and he thought she was a "pretty girl". They married June 6, 1937.

The couple moved to Goldendale in 1938. Their son, Dennis was born in 1940 and the family moved to Outlook in 1943. Here, their daughter, Kathryn (Kathy) was born in 1944, completing the Korevaar family.

Joe and Tess made an asparagus farm in Outlook their home. Later they also owned an orchard on Sunnyside's Harrison Hill.

After Joe's death in 1985, Tess permanently relocated to Sunnyside. The years spent raising their children on the farm were Tess's favorite, and although she always spoke fondly of her childhood, it was important to her that her children have more musical and educational opportunities. Always incredibly proud of her children and their achievements, Tess was an active parent, volunteering in 4-H, PTA, and as den mother for Cub Scouts.

The farm also brought her much pleasure.

A member of the Garden Club, Tess nurtured huge flower and vegetable gardens, and she enjoyed sharing their bounty. She frequently sent friends and family home with beautiful bouquets, and bags of "just picked" eggplants, beans, turnips and even rhubarb. Fresh strawberries with sugar were often shared when you visited. Tess did extensive canning and pickling. Over the years, not only her children, but her grandchildren, would list her homemade grape juice, zucchini relish, pickled asparagus and pickled beats among their favorites.

Tess was a very ambitious, self-determined woman who steadily worked within and outside the home from 1953-1992. She labored on the farm and in the warehouses, but found she enjoyed sales.

Tess was an independent agent selling numerous items such as crystal, cosmetics, cleaning agent, and a little carpet sweeper called the "Hokey". She began selling her products at state/county fairs in 1962, which often demanded long, cold hours. Tess being a true extrovert however, thoroughly enjoyed meeting new people, and selling items she believed in. Her dedication to her products and her love of people made her a successful sales person and also helped her contribute to her family's finances.

Tess's dedication did not stop with her family. She was devoted to service at the Outlook Church of the Brethren. She sang in the choir and over the years and held many offices and responsibilities within the church and Sunday school. She prepared numerous church dinners, and enjoyed taking her grandkids to Camp Koininia in Cle Elm, where she volunteered as a camp counselor. For more than 45 years, Tess dedicated countless hours to meticulously hand quilting baby and full-size quilts which were given freely to those in need, and sold to others to support the church. Tess was involved in other volunteer activities, and earned the Golden Sheaf Certificate for 50 years of service to the Outlook Grange.

Travel was something Tess appreciated. She and Joe took their family on annual vacations within the U.S. and later the couple traveled to Europe, with stops in Holland, Germany, Switzerland and France. Tess also treasured a very special trip to the Holy Land. It was meaningful for her to see where her Savior was born and traveled and she got to ride a camel.

Tess was an opinionated, sometimes loud, and always very spirited, caring woman. She had a healthy sense of humor and found joy in helping and serving others. She loved God, her husband and children, and happily catered to her grandchildren. She was physically very strong, but had an even stronger personality. She could be a force to be reckoned with, but Tess was very giving and she always tried her best at all she did. She never was afraid of hard work, standing tall, and was determined to see things through to the end.

Tess Korevaar may have left us quietly, but she left a loud memory in the hearts of those who loved her!

She is survived by her children, Dennis Korevaar, Kathy (Dale) Costin; her grandchildren, Debbie Korevaar (Mark Dorsey), Denise Korevaar, Heidi (Eric) Fell, Laurie (Perry) Lamprey; her brothers, Bob (Norma) Steinbacher, John Steinbacher; and six great-grandchildren.

Tess was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Korevaar; her parents, Joseph and Catherine Steinbacher; siblings, Rosalie Steinbacher, Betty Kennedy, Anne Steinbacher, Andy Steinbacher, Rudy Steinbacher and Joe Steinbacher and Bill Steinbacher.

Viewing and visitation will be held Monday, Dec. 28, 2009, from 11 a.m. until the time of the funeral service. The funeral service will be held Monday Dec. 28, 1 p.m. at Smith's Funeral Home in Sunnyside, with burial to follow at Lower Valley Memorial Gardens in Sunnyside.

Those wishing to share their memories or sign Theresa's online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com

Smith Funeral Home in Sunnyside is in charge of arrangements.