Gerald Francis Korson

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Gerald Korson who left us on April 11, 2025 in Salem, Oregon. Jerry was a valued member of his community and remembered for his kindness, generosity and unwavering dedication to running

Born December 10, 1950 in Muskegan, Michigan to Mary and Frank Korson, he was the second eldest of five brothers. He enjoyed his mother's cooking sledding the hill behind their house and Grandma Matovic's renowned kolache cookies.

Jerry completed his high school education in 1969 at St. Joseph's Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He continued his education at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI earning a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science in 1973 and a Master of Science in Education Leadership in 1975. Upon graduation Jerry began his professional journey as a manager within Kalamazoo Community Schools

While working at Kalamazoo Community Schools he met the love of his life Randa Randall Klemchuk. Jerry and Randa were married in Kalamazoo in September 1977. Through this marriage he became stepfather to Darin Klemchuk (9 years old) and Shana Klemchuk (7 years old). The new family of four enjoyed camping adventures throughout the country and trips to Disney World.

In October of 1980, Jerry, Randa, and family moved to Salem, Oregon for professional opportunities. Jerry continued his work in Education at Schirle Elementary School and later served as a personnel manager with the State of Oregon.

During his tenure with the State of Oregon, Jerry built a house along the North Santiam River in Gates, Oregon. In 1992, he and Randa moved to their new home on Greenway Drive, where they became entrenched with a wonderful and crazy community of friends. BBQ's, evening bonfires and even a Greenway Dr. Golf tournament was typical fare.

After the death of his wife Randa in 2012, Jerry and his partner Liz Cutler moved to Salem, Oregon to start a new life together. Liz became his sidekick in his life's endeavor to run a half marathon in every state. Despite a diagnosis in 2022 of Glioblastoma with only 5 states to go, Jerry finished his dream in 2024 by running his 50th state at the New York City Half Marathon through Times Square with friends and family cheering him on.

Jerry also loved photography, hiking, going to Oregon State Beavers games with his best buddy Rich Galvez, volunteering with Fences for Fido, WildCat Ridge Sanctuary and blazing trails with The Salamanders.

Jerry is survived by his life partner Liz Cutler, His children Darin Klemchuk (Laura Klemchuk) and Shana Klemchuk, his brothers, Tom Korson (Wanda Korson), Jim Korson, Bob Korson (Wendy Korson) and Dan Korson (Therese Korson) and his grandchildren Holland Klemchuk, Davis Klemchuk, London Klemchuk and Grayson Klemchuk who will carry on his legacy of love and compassion

A celebration of Jerry's life will be held at a future date where friends and family will gather to honor the beautiful journey Jerry shared with us all.

Jerry's presence brought warmth and joy to everyone he encountered and his memory will forever be cherished in our hearts. In lieu of flowers the family requests you donate to the charity of your choice in Jerry's name