Carla A. Korish

Carla Alberta Korish, 92, of La Crosse, WI passed away peacefully in her home on French Island on July 7, 2025 following a brief illness.

Carla was born on October 18, 1932 to George and Hazel (Aiken) Richmond in La Crosse, WI. After graduating from Logan High School in 1949, she worked for Dr. James Kelly, D.D.S., Thorp Finance, and Lindsey Brothers. She operated a daycare in her home for 26 years. After taking night classes for cake decorating, she became sought after for her beautiful wedding cakes. Later, she worked at the La Crescent Nursing Home and then as housekeeper and cook for the priests at the St. James Rectory in La Crosse until she retired.

She married Kletus Sandau on October 4, 1950. They had 4 children, Steven, Susan, Timothy, and Richard. Her second marriage was to Erwin A. Korish on October 19, 1963. They had 2 children, Kenneth and John.

In 1979, she donated a kidney to her son, Timothy. The La Crosse Tribune published a front page article about their story and kidney transplant surgery, which was very new at that time.

She is survived by her children: Steven (Debbie) Sandau, Susan Meyer, Kenneth (Rose) Korish, and John (Stephanie) Korish; step-children: Anita Mason, Richard (Janice) Korish, and Thomas (Patti) Korish; daughters-in-law: Bonnie (Pat) Korish, Trudy Bull (Tim), and Stephanie (Harry) Korish; sisters: Mary (Joel) Steigerwald and Karen (Wayne) Sherry; brothers and sisters –in-law: Priscilla Sandau, Deloris Goldbeck, Shirley Bertsch, Ivan Sandau, Alberta and John Siewert, and Margaret Korish; 37 grandchildren; 78 great-grandchildren; 17 great-great grandchildren; and 1 great-great-great grandchild; and many nieces and nephews, godchildren, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Hazel Richmond; husbands, Kletus Sandau and Erwin Korish; sons and stepsons: Timothy Sandau, Richard Sandau, Harry Korish, and Erwin (Pat) Korish; sisters: Georgina Schaller and Hazel Janisch; In-laws: John and Lydia Sandau, and Anton and Mary Korish; brothers-in–law: Steve Theis, Mark Horton, Ervin Janisch, Francis Schaller, Gerald Goldbeck, Eleon Sandau, Les Bertsch, Melvin Korish, and Anthony Korish; sisters-in-law: Marie Rodenkirch, Genevieve Larson, Joyce Korish, Irene Schultz, Mildred Vehrenkamp, Marjorie Kaiser, and Iris Sandau; step-grandsons: Shannon and Arn Morris; nephews: Scott Sherry and Jason Schaller; and her lifelong and best friend Joan Novak.

Carla wanted her children to know they were her greatest legacy.

Her family wishes to especially thank the wonderful, caring staff at St. Croix Hospice, Priests and church staff who visited and also, the many family members who helped out in so many ways.

Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00PM, Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home, La Crosse with a rosary service at 6:30PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00AM, Thursday, July 17, 2025 at St. Joseph the Workman Cathedral, La Crosse, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at French Island Cemetery.