Dennis Korth, Colorado Springs, CO

Pikes Peak Woodturners has lost one of our founders and a beloved mentor, Dennis Korth, unexpectedly in October of this year.  Many of our members learned to turn in his evening classes at Manitou Springs HS, where he was the 'shop' teacher.  Dennis was a student of Dr. Lee Carter at CSU.  He was in that small group of industrial arts teachers that sparked the revival of our craft in the late 80's and early 1990's, ushering in the symposiums, the  tool innovations, and the AAW that we know today.

Korth held every office in the club, shared every new technique, and invented the practice of mentoring new members.  For example, when Tony Bevis took up woodturning in his shop in Westcliffe (an hour and a half south of Manitou Springs), Dennis Korth made the trip to help him set up his woodturning practice.  Tony later became a Pikes Peak Woodturners club President, continuing the legacy of mentoring new turners.  

In this photo from the 2009 club newsletter, Dennis presented a knock-out demonstration on holding systems for the lathe.  He led off with a bat that we all recognize now as a Mark Sfirri original.  That was the Korth style:  get your attention first, and then make it all worth your while to listen carefully.

We are grateful to his family for all the years that they shared him with our club.

-Kay Liggett

Dennis J. Korth, 1948 - 2021

Dennis loved Jesus as his Lord and Savior and his dear family deeply. He knew no stranger. Dennis passed away from complications with pneumonia.

Dennis was born to Robert and Edna Korth in Loveland, CO. He graduated from CSU and met the love of his life, Carol Eddy, and were married in 1973. They moved to Colorado Springs to start his teaching career in 1974. Dennis taught Wood Shop and Technology at Manitou Springs High School for 31 years. He was also a Young Life Leader for 20 years at MSHS. He retired in 2005.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Carol, of 48 years and three children: Jason Korth and wife Michelle (children, Ashley and Tyler), Scott Korth and Allison Korth Corey (daughter, Emma). He treasured his precious grandchildren Emma, Ashley and Tyler. Dennis is also survived by his mother, Edna, a brother, David Korth and wife Kathy (daughter Jessica), a sister, Danette Geiger, half-sister, Darlene Dills, sister-in-law, Glenna Eddy, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Dennis loved motorcycles and Pikes Peak. In the 1970s he raced up Pikes Peak on July 4th and January 1st. Later he became a motorcycle official for the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb and an active member of the Historical Association. Dennis also volunteered with the Pikes Peak Ascent and Marathon.

Dennis loved Volkswagens. In 1994, Dennis along with several students, built an Electric Car, Sparky, from a 1970 Volkswagen. He was a member of the Denver Electric Vehicle Council and the Colorado Springs Electric Vehicle Club. Dennis was a founding father for the local Pikes Peak Woodturners. Dennis was also a member of the local S.V.W. Car Club

Dennis and Carol have attended First Evangelical Free Church (FEFC) for 45 years. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, November 6th, at 10:30 a.m. at FEFC. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the FEFC Relocation Fund.