1928-2012
Visitation: Thursday, June 21, 2012, 4 till 7 PM
Ballard–Sunder Funeral Home, 4565 Pleasant St. SE
Prior Lake, MN 55372
There also will be visitation at the church 1 hour prior to services
Funeral Service: Friday, June 22, 2012, 11 AM
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Prior Lake, MN 55372
Courtlin’s life story
Lloyd and Evelyn (Quornstrom) Story announced the birth of their beautiful son, Courtlin Elg, born on Friday, May 25, 1928 in Comfrey, MN. He was the second of three children. Courtlin’s childhood years were spent in Comfrey, where his love of being a spectator and playing sports began. Courtlin enjoyed playing football, basketball and baseball. During his high school years, he accomplished something pitchers can only dream of…pitching a no hitter.
Graduating from Comfrey High School in 1946, Courtlin furthered his education at Mankato State University, earning a teaching degree. For over 30 years, Courtlin taught Industrial Arts, first starting in Brewster, MN and then moving to Prior Lake in 1958. With a special love for children, he became a respected basketball coach for over 25 years and never had a losing season. Teaching the players the fundamentals, Courtlin conducted tough practices, in hind sight, prepared them for life ahead. During the summers, he even enjoyed teaching drivers training. Courtlin retired at the age of 55.
A true American, Courtlin enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving during the Korean conflict, as a weather observer. Not before, marrying the love of his life, Donna Johnson. Proposing the night before Thanksgiving, Courtlin married his beautiful bride on Monday, November 26, 1951 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Mankato. Shipping out the next day, he proudly served from November 27, 1951 to November 25, 1955. Courtlin and Donna were blessed with two children, Jay and Jonelle.
A devoted husband, Courtlin treasured their morning walks around town, traveling the Unites States and abroad with the Wind Jammers and attending church. A loving father and grandfather, he cherished and relished his time with his grandchildren. In his free time, he enjoyed golfing, camping, woodworking, eating his favorite meal at McDonalds and watching sports, Hogan’s Heroes and M.A.S.H.
An active, dedicated and committed Christian, Courtlin also volunteered at St. Francis Regional Medical Center and was a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletics and the Prior Lake V.F.W. Patient, meticulous and a man of ultimate integrity, Courtlin Story, age 84 and resident of Prior Lake, passed away peacefully in the presence of his adoring family the early morning hours of Monday, June 18, 2012 at St. Gertrude’s Health and Rehabilitation Center in Shakopee, MN.
Forever loved, Courtlin will be deeply missed by his loving wife of 60 blessed years, Donna; son, Jay (Lori) Story of Coppell, TX; daughter, Jonelle (Lee) Hennen of Shakopee; grandchildren, Dan Hennen, Jenna Hennen, Lauren Story and Jessica Story; brothers Hartley (Adeline) Story of Elk River, Lynn (Pat) Story of Lamberton; many nieces, nephews, cousins and devoted friends.
Courtlin is preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Evelyn.
Urnbearers for Courtlin will be his children, Jay and Jonelle.
The visitation will be on Thursday, June 21 from 4-7 pm, at Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home 4565 Pleasant Street SE, Prior Lake and one hour prior to the service at church. The Celebration of Life Service will be on Friday, June 22 at 11 a.m., at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church 5634 Luther Road, Prior Lake. Pastor John P. Vaughn will officiate. Courtlin will be laid to rest at a private family burial at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Full military honors provided by the Fort Snelling National Cemetery Volunteer Rifle Squad.
The Story family is served with honor, care and compassion by Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home, Prior Lake Chapel.
