Brian Korby

Brian Lee Korby, 53, of Fergus Falls, passed away peacefully with his sisters by his side on Friday, October 24, 2025, at Sanford Hospital in Fargo after a brief illness.

Brian was born on February 25, 1972, in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, to Susan (Hesse) Pellett and Donald Korby. He grew up between Bloomington and Fergus Falls and was confirmed at Christ the King Church in Bloomington. He attended Kennedy Senior High School and later Hennepin Technical College for two years, studying auto mechanics.

During school breaks, Brian often returned to Fergus Falls to work with his father at the family business, Korby Contracting Co. By age 14, Don had him in the cranes, teaching him the trade and instilling the skills and work ethic that would guide him throughout his life. After high school in 1990, Brian moved back to Fergus Falls permanently to work full time in the family bridge construction business. He earned his NCCCO certification as a crane operator and took great pride in carrying on the family legacy of hard work and craftsmanship.

When his father retired in 2000, Brian began forging his own path. Over the years, he worked with several companies-including Aggregate Industries and F&S Construction-before finding his home with Industrial Builders, Inc. of Fargo. Known for his skill, reliability, and easygoing humor, Brian was highly respected by his coworkers. Even after retiring in 2023, he couldn't sit still for long-he loved helping friends and family with projects and could often be found driving beet truck during harvest season.

Brian loved the outdoors and could always be found hunting, fishing, or simply enjoying nature. Winters meant snowmobiling, skiing, ice fishing, and snowshoeing; summers brought fishing trips, campfires, and time with friends and family. He was also passionate about computers, cooking and baking, following the stock market, and playing fantasy football as a proud member of the Underwood Fantasy Football League. His love of music-especially the Trans-Siberian Orchestra-led to countless concerts and cherished memories with close friends.

Above all else, Brian's greatest joy was spending time with his granddaughter, Hazel. Whether tinkering in the garage, enjoying a meal, or just being together, those moments brought him true happiness. He will be remembered for his kindness, humor, generosity, and his willingness to lend a hand to anyone who needed it.

Brian is survived by his sisters, Tasha Korby and Sheila (Jamie) Johnson of Fergus Falls; Michelle Pellett and Kim (Kevin) Delie of Prior Lake; granddaughter, Hazel Huseth; nephews, Mason Cramer, Connor Cramer, Austin Kielb, and Michael Delie; nieces, Madison Johnson, Harper Johnson, Zoë Fearell, Ivy Fearell, Nyx Pellett, and Emma Delie; uncles Gary and Steven (Beth) Korby, Robert (Carol) Hesse, and David (Gretchen) Hesse; aunts Nancy and Diane Korby, Kate (Mike) Martin, Karen (Mike) Miller, and Nancy (Chuck) Thompson; numerous cousins; and many close friends, including Ryan, Dustin, Brian, Zac, Matt, Josh, Peck, Randy, Curt, and Jackie.

He was preceded In death by his parents, Susan Pellett and Don Korby; stepfather, Perley "Pug" Pellett; grandparents Austin and Edna Korby and Darrell and Adeline Hesse; aunt Connie Vallevand; uncles A. Dennis Korby and Ron Hesse; and cousins Michael, Stacy, and Amber Korby, and Rebecca Miller.

Memorial Service: 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 15, 2025 at Olson Funeral and Cremation Chapel in Fergus Falls with visitation one-hour prior to the service.

Clergy: Pastor Jim Bjork

Interment: Oak Grove Cemetery, Fergus Falls, MN

Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com