June Korn, of Point Dume, passed away July 22 following a long illness at the age of 82. She was a longtime Malibu resident and an active member of Friends of the Malibu Library until failing health restricted her activities.
Korn was born in Los Angeles in 1931 to Ruth and Edward Kroutil. Her father was a U.S. Army cavalryman who became an officer in the Quartermaster Corps in the 2nd U.S. Army Air Force during World War II. Her family lived in numerous towns across the western U.S. on duty assignments, including Pendleton, Ore., Seattle, Wash., Topeka, Kan. and finally San Pedro, Calif.
Korn married Noel Korn in 1952. The couple lived in Santa Monica while Noel taught high school in Los Angeles. Shortly after their marriage, their political and social affiliations began being questioned by various local and federal government entities as a result of the wave of McCarthyism sweeping the nation. The pair seriously considered leaving the United States, but chose to stay instead in hopes of a change in the political winds.
The Korns moved to the San Fernando Valley in the late 1950s. During the 1960s, Korn was involved in many social justice groups, including anti-war and civil rights organizations and the United Farmworkers Union. She was also involved in many local political campaigns, often serving in staff positions on behalf of candidates.
When they moved to Malibu in the early 1970s, the Korns became involved in numerous local issues and organizations.
For many years, Korn was dedicated to the Malibu Library, serving in various capacities and donating many hours to the Friends of the Malibu Library group. She became and remained a strong advocate for Malibu having its own independent, well-stocked and modern library.
Korn is survived by her sons Mike of Clancy, Mont.; Ken (Lisa) of Rolling Hills Estates; Wally of Malibu and grandchildren Alicia Korn of Denver, Colo.; Lauren Korn of Missoula, Mont. and Nicole and Grant Korn of Rolling Hills Estates. She was preceded in death by her husband, Noel, who passed away in 2000.
At Korn’s request, there will not be a formal memorial service.
However, as a memorial, donations can be made in Korn’s honor to social justice organizations of the donor’s choice or the Malibu Public Library.