Gerald Lee Korinek

Gerald Lee Korinek of Hanahan, South Carolina passed away at his home on Friday May 14, 2021. He was 89 years old. His wife, Mary, of 59 years was by his side.

Gerald was born October 18, 1931 in Ulysses, Nebraska to Joseph Charles Korinek and Clara Bernice (Homolka) Korinek. He was an only child.

Mr. Korinek served in the Navy for 4 years during the Korean Conflict with Good Conduct Medal and National Defense Service Medal. One of his greatest moments was attending the 2014 Honor Flight. He was proud to serve his country. He continued to serve after the war: Post Commander of Post 1716 VFW, Treasurer of Post 166 American Legion, Elks and the Fleet Reserve Association.

Mr. Korinek Graduated from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, Delta Sigma Phi, with high distinction and was awarded for excellence in accounting. He lived most of his life in Salinas, CA where he practiced as a CPA in the accounting firm he eventually procured. He remained a member of the South Carolina and California Societies of Certified Public Accountants.

Gerald served as president of the Salinas Golf and Country Club and spent many Wednesdays playing golf. Gerald was a member of Ducks Unlimited. Jerry enjoyed fishing, hunting and travelling in their motorhome with the love of his life. As time went by, playing pool, puzzles, and playing cards became a favorite pastime. He was an active member of the Immaculate Conception Church. Mr. Korinek served as Grand Knight in the Knights of Columbus. He loved his God and family dearly and never met a stranger. He was loved by all and was extraordinary in all he did.

He is survived by his wife Mary Kathryn Strickland Korinek; children Linda (Steve) Cochran of Pawleys Island, SC, Joni Mikkelsen of Salinas, CA and Teri (Jim) Korinek Mahaney of Hanahan, SC. Five grandchildren: Matthew Willis of Idaho, Frank Kelly III of Washington State and Joseph von Brincken of Hanahan, SC, Laura Bartholomew of Honolulu, HI and Susan Mikkelsen of Salinas, CA: Seven great-grandchildren Katelyn and Riley Willis, Cadence and Chloe Womble. Jess Mikkelsen, Emily Diaz, Liberty Murillo and Norah Bartholomew: and cousins including Georgia Hackworth of Seward, Nebraska. Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter, Maria Kelly and two grandchildren, Phillip Kelly and Hope Ann von Brincken Womble.

There will be a 10:00am visitation with an 11:00am service at McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, 869 St James Ave, Goose Creek, SC. on Wednesday, May 19, 2021. A Celebration of Life will follow at the Fleet Reserve Association, 99 Wysteria Lane, Goose Creek, SC.

Interment services to be held at 11:00am at Forest Lawn Memory Garden on 315 Greenwich Road, Savannah, GA on Thursday, May 20, 2021. To follow there will be a family gathering at Coaches Corner on 3016 East Victory Drive, Savannah, GA.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation, 869 St James Ave, Goose Creek, SC 29445. Please visit our tribute page at www.mcalister-smith.com/obituaries