Kalispell civic leader Dan Korn dies at age 84
Longtime Kalispell car dealer and Rotarian Daniel J. Korn Jr. died Wednesday at Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell. He was 84.
Korn ran the local Buick dealership from the early 1960s until 1993, when he sold it to Doug Scarff and retired.
During that time, he earned the respect of customers and competitors alike. Korn was named Car Dealer of the Year in 1988 by the Montana Automobile Dealer Association and was one of only 67 dealers nationwide nominated for the Time Magazine Quality Dealer Award in 1989.
In 2001, Korn was presented with the 30th Great Chief Award by the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce. The Great Chief Award is given to individuals whose "civic and volunteer spirit spans a lifetime, and provides a legacy for the community."
"Dan is a wonderfully generous person who appreciates what can be done even in the smallest circumstances to uplift someone in need," noted one nomination letter. "Always upbeat and always ready to encourage ... his attitude is no different at home, in business, or in church."
A former Eagle Scout, Korn received the Purple Heart as an infantryman during World War II. In addition to his business dealings, he was president of the Kalispell Rotary from 1957-58, as well as president of the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, a joint relationship between the Canadian and American Rotary Clubs.
Korn also was a longtime director of the Salvation Army and was recognized for his contributions to the Boy Scouts of America and to School District 5.
"Dan did not always seek to become a leader in these endeavors, but he volunteered to help achieve a better society," read one Great Chief nomination letter.
"When the Salvation Army contacted me and told me they were spearheading [this] nomination ... I had no idea what an honor it would be," noted Korn's daughter, Kimberly Korn Morgan. "Each person I contacted stated that it would be an honor to submit a nomination. What a wonderful heritage he has bestowed on us."
A memorial service for Korn will be held at 12:30 p.m. Monday at the Christian Center in Kalispell.