Service Details
Visitation will be in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Wednesday, January 3, 2024 from 5:00 – 8:00 pm (prayer service at 8:00 pm). Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, January 4, 2024 at 6:00 pm at Old Saint Mary Catholic Church (844 N. Broadway, Downtown Milwaukee, WI 53202).
Mount Pleasant – Antonina “Nina” Catherine Kortendick, age 24, found peace in Heaven on December 22, 2023.
Nina was the first-born daughter of Jacqueline Randa and R. Scott Kortendick on June 23,1999. Soon afterward she became big sister to Abigail, Ava and Aiden Kortendick.
After graduating from J.I. Case High School, where she enjoyed volleyball, track and golf, Nina attended the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, graduated in 2022 with a degree in Public Health and went to work at Society’s Assets, Inc. in Racine after completing a summer internship there.
One of Nina’s friends described her as “the most beautiful soul I have been blessed to know. Your kindness, compassion and selflessness has made the world a better place….”
Nina brightened people’s day everywhere she went with her graceful, sincere, caring presence. She made everyone feel special and loved. She even shared her joy internationally with an extended trip to Germany in 2021 to visit her distant pen pal “twin” Leone Kortendick. They met doing Ancestry research and became great buddies.
Nina and sister Abby participated in amazing mission trips with cousin Maddie and Aunt Pam with Shoreland Church in Milwaukee to West Virginia and Memphis to build homes and improve local community spaces. Other special times enjoyed with friends were at weekly Wednesday evening Grace Church Blaze Youth group hangouts and annual weekend retreats at “Big Chill” or summer vacation weeks at Village Creek Bible Camp in Iowa where the sisters were re-baptized in the lake.
In the neighborhood growing up, Nina was the self-appointed teacher and social coordinator to her siblings and most all the other children. She conducted summer school lessons, planned frog and tadpole expeditions in the nearby pond, led bicycle excursions, craft projects, dress up and spa pretend fun, sledding down the backyard hill or swimming in the neighbor’s pool.
Great childhood neighbor friends Molly, Amanda and Emily along with other wonderful friends from middle and high school Kristy, Emelia and Abby S. enjoyed several trips around the US together in recent years and especially as a bridesmaid Emelia’s wedding in September in Minnesota.
Nina and longtime boyfriend Cade Badertscher, who met at UW La Crosse, enjoyed hiking, trips to Colorado, and sporting events, including many of Cade’s freshmen high school basketball coaching games.
Nina was the best big sister ever to her three siblings who looked -up and relied on her for guidance and strength through the years. She was their superpower and rock, especially for Aiden.
In addition to her immediate family and boyfriend, Nina will be greatly missed by her grandparents, James P. Randa of Milwaukee, Catherine Kortendick of Racine and Russell D. (Kathy) Kortendick of Franksville; aunts, uncles, other relatives, and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Antonina Viscuso-Randa and aunt, Kelly Randa.
Visitation will be in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Wednesday, January 3, 2024 from 5:00 – 8:00 pm (prayer service at 8:00 pm). Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, January 4, 2024 at 6:00 pm at Old Saint Mary Catholic Church (844 N. Broadway, Downtown Milwaukee, WI 53202).
Anonymous says
Words can not express my feelings of sadness and heartbreak for all. I will hold close all of the wonderful memories through the years that we spent together with your kids and mine. We pray for peace . With a very heavy heart, our love to all. ❤️
The Driebel Family
David, Jackie, Paige, Peyton, and Ella
A. Egry says
Jackie, I am so sorry for the heartache and heartbreak that you and your family are suffering. You are such a beautiful spirit and a devoted mom, I am sure that that Nina was blessed with your kindness, know that Jesus” met your baby girl and wrapped her in His arms as she entered His holy home .
Carla Ricchio-Coleman says
I am so sorry for the extreme loss you all must be feeling. Nina was a beautiful young woman that will be missed by so many people. Please know that your entire family is in my thoughts and prayers. May she rest in peace ♥️
Marilyn Mueller says
OMG Jackie, I just heard about your daughter. I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep you and your family in my Prayers.
Take care of yourself,
Contessa says
Jackie I’m so sorry for your lost. My heart aches to hear this news. I’m praying for everyone My deepest sympathies to you and your family. Praying for you all
Kristine Schumann says
Dearest Nina:
Your smile, laughter, gentle soul, how you carried yourself, how you spoke to people with such compassion and thoughtfulness, ambition and light will be missed. Everything about you will be missed. We all miss you terribly and continue to send love to you and to your loved ones. I am certain you will be in my thoughts often and will remember you with love and grace. ❤️❤️❤️
Anonymous says
Our hearts are broken for your loss. As parents its hard to imagine the hurt you must feel. A beautiful girl gone way too soon. She is at peace and in the arms of our Lord.Your family are in our deepest of prayers. You now have your very own Angel in Heaven.We will light a vigil light for Nina at Saint Thomas Church here in Waterford. Nina now has her wings. Hugs, peace, and blessings.
Dolly and Bill Spiegelhoff
Christine Bohn says
It’s always a tragedy to hear that one of my former students leaves us so early, but this news hurts more since I got to know all of the Kortendick girls from Elementary at Gifford through High School at Case. I can’t begin to imagine your families pain. I will hold Nina’s memory in my heart while sending peace and prayers to your family.
Christine Bohn
Art Educator
Trish Fillman says
Nothing I can say will erase your pain, but I am forever sorry for losing someone so special.
Steve & Erin Reeves Family says
We hold the Kortendick family close in prayer and peace. Much love to you.
Jeff & Lynda Johnston says
Our hearts and prayers go out to Scott and Jacqueline, both her sisters and brother, and especially to her grandmother Kathy and Grandfather Russ as we have heard you talk about your Nina so often and with so much love. We cannot fathom the deep sense of loss and grief you are feeling at this time. God is with you and you have our prayers and deepest sympathy.💔💔🙏🙏🙏
Jeff & Lynda
Cathy Kramer says
With Heartfelt Prayers in the Loss of your Child. I know Your hearts are broken and your life has turned inside out. I am praying for your Family.
Alana Gruntzel says
My heart shattered hearing about the loss of Nina. She was one of my dearest friends and some of my favorite memories were made with her. She was the type of friend to drop whatever she was doing to be there for someone if they needed her. I will miss her so incredibly much.. sending love and hugs to all that knew her.
Pat Schultz says
Scott and family, I can only offer my deepest sympathy. I can’t begin to understand what you must be going through. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Pat
Reenie Lopez says
I’m so sorry for your loss. When i was reading her obit. it sounds like she had it together.
I can not tell you how bad i feel. Your family have gone thru so much.
I’m Jeri Norberg sister Reenie.
Tell your family they are in my prayers
Joan Kolton says
Scott, my deepest sympathy on the loss of Nina. My. Prayers to you and your family.
Renee and Glenn Hansen says
Scott, Prayers and tears for your loss. I did not get the chance to know or meet your family but I saw this and wanted you to know how much my heart hurts when I read the news and let you know that you and your family are in our prayers.
Samantha Thorson says
I am so very sad to hear of the passing of your beautiful daughter, Nina. Sending all of my love and strength to you during this tragic time.
Debbi Prudhom says
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I was hoping to tell you in person and offer a hug, but Mike and I have been sick since Christmas. I cannot imagine what your family must be going through at a time like this. Praying for healing and peace. God bless.
Mike and Debbi
Don & Shel Souder says
Dear Scott and the Mrs, I was looking forward to reading Nina’s complete obit and just now finished doing so, which didn’t make my grief on your behalf any better. What a beautiful soul you two helped raise and nurture. She apparently conducted her life in the center of God’s will and in the apples of your eyes. I loved that Fb post of yours recently, “First day in heaven.” If Nina had any grief there at all with Him, it would only be for you and the hole in your heart that, trust me, in time, He will fill once again. Much Love, Don & Shel
Pete BerryCase Girls Golf Coach and Teacher says
I was so deeply saddened when I heard the news and am so sorry for your loss. My prayers go out to your entire family. Nina was an extreme joy to coach, teach, and simply get to know as the amazing young person that she was. In addition to having so many positive individual qualities, she was also the consummate teammate and friend to others. She will be missed tremendously by so many.
Pete Berry Case Girls Golf Coach and Teacher says
I was so deeply saddened when I heard the news and am so sorry for your loss. My prayers go out to your entire family. Nina was an extreme joy to coach, teach, and simply get to know as the amazing young person that she was. In addition to having so many positive individual qualities, she was also the consummate teammate and friend to others. She will be missed tremendously by so many.
Pete Berry says
I was so deeply saddened when I heard the news and am so sorry for your loss. My prayers go out to your entire family. Nina was an extreme joy to coach, teach, and simply get to know as the amazing young person that she was. In addition to having so many positive individual qualities, she was also the consummate teammate and friend to others. She will be missed tremendously by so many.
Pete Berry, Case Girls Golf Coach and Teacher says
I was so deeply saddened when I heard the news and am so sorry for your loss. My prayers go out to your entire family. Nina was an extreme joy to coach, teach, and simply get to know as the amazing young person that she was. In addition to having so many positive individual qualities, she was also the consummate teammate and friend to others. She will be missed tremendously by so many.
Anonymous says
Dear Scott, Jackie, Abby, Ava and Adien,
I remember Nina as my precious little first grader. Even as a little girl she was so sweet and just a delight to teach. My heart breaks for you. My prayers and thoughts are forever with you.
Love, Terri Strom (and Jeff)
Terri and Jeff Strom says
Dear Scott, Jackie, Abby, Ava and Adien,
I remember Nina as my precious little first grader. Even as a little girl she was so sweet and just a delight to teach. My heart breaks for you. My prayers and thoughts are forever with you.
Love, Terri Strom (and Jeff)
Barb and Dick Meteyard says
The Kortendick family: we did not know Nina but by reading her obit and knowing Kortendick family she sounds wonderful. Russ and Cathy we are sure your hearts are broken. Please know we are praying for you to find peace.
Aretha says
Jackie and Family
I am so sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences and prayers.
Katie Oatsvall says
The entire Kortendick/ Randa Family is our thoughts. The loss of Nina is tremendous. Memories of the little girl we knew on Lombard Ave. sustain our breaking hearts.
Praying you find peace and comfort- Jeff, Katie, Nate and Natalie Oatsvall
Mindi Newman says
Scott,
My condolences to you and your family.
Denise Fleury says
Scott and your entire family
I am so sorry for Nina’s passing. It was such a pleasure to know and work with her at the store . She was such a sweet and caring person to many. I will truly miss her.
My thoughts and many prayers to you and your family.
Denise & Bob Fleury
Anonymous says
Scott,
My condolences to you and your family.
Jed Haas
Anonymous says
The world has lost another beautiful soul!!!!
I never knew Nina personally, but if she was anything like her mother (which it sounds like she absolutely was)
The world is a much sadder place without her!
My deepest condolences and endless prayers for your family!