ST. LOUIS, MO — The Korte Company announces the passing of its founder, Ralph Korte, who passed away on August 26, 2025, surrounded by family.
Born in 1934 in rural Highland, Illinois, Ralph was one of 14 children raised on a small family farm. With little formal schooling beyond the eighth grade, he discovered a love for building while helping neighbors with their farm projects. During boot camp in Arkansas, he earned his GED, a step that gave him the confidence to pursue higher education. Ralph went on to serve his country in Korea.
In 1958, with a $79 electric saw and a simple formula — “Don’t charge too much, and work hard” — Ralph founded the company that bears his name. What began as a side job grew into the national design-build firm it is today.
Ralph helped transform the St. Louis and Highland, Missouri, communities through economic development, service, and philanthropy. He supported the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, donated to SIUE, and helped attract industries to Highland.
