In Loving Memory of

Coralee "Korre" Thompson

August 19, 1962 – September 19, 2026

"Those we love never truly leave us. They live on in the stories we tell,the lessons they taught us, and the love they leave behind."

"Celebrating the Life of Korre"

Coralee "Korre" Thompson passed away on September 19, 2026, at the age of 64.

Korre was born on August 19, 1962, in Miles City, Montana, to Larry and Helen Thompson. In 1972, the Thompson family moved to West Yellowstone, Montana, where Larry and Helen built, owned, and operated the Starlite Motel. Growing up in a family business helped shape Korre's strong work ethic, resilience, and warm hospitality, qualities she carried throughout her life.

In 1979, Korre married Dale Brandemihl, and together they welcomed two sons, Nathanael and Mathew, who became the greatest loves of her life. Being their mother was Korre's proudest accomplishment and deepest joy. She loved her boys fiercely and devoted herself to supporting and encouraging them every step of the way.

Korre graduated from West Yellowstone High School in 1980. That same year, Larry and Helen opened the A-Bar and Supper Club in Island Park, Idaho. The A-Bar quickly became more than a business. It became a gathering place, a family legacy, and the center of countless memories for family, friends, locals, and travelers alike.

After many of life's ups and downs, Korre and Dale divorced, and she returned to Island Park to help with the family business. A short time later, her sister LoAnne joined her there. The Thompson family suffered a devastating loss with the sudden death of Larry in 1986.

In 1989, Korre married Steve Winder and welcomed Steve's daughter, Stephanie, into her family. Korre had a profound impact on Stephanie's life, helping guide and support her through grade school, sports, and many of life's milestones, all the way through her junior prom. Steve became an integral part of the A-Bar operation, serving as head chef, bartender, and all-around maintenance man, never hesitating to do whatever needed to be done. Stephanie also pitched in and helped with the family business. Together they contributed many years of hard work, dedication, laughter, and friendship, creating countless blended-family memories while helping make the A-Bar a special place for so many people.

In 1997, Steve and Korre divorced after sharing many wonderful years together and creating a lifetime of cherished family memories.Following Helen's passing in 2001, Korre and LoAnne proudly carried on their parents' legacy by owning and operating the A-Bar and Supper Club. Through hard work, determination, and a deep love for their family, they successfully ran the business until its sale in 2008.

After the sale of the A-Bar, Korre remained active in the Island Park community. She worked at the Liquor Store at Elk Creek and later part-time at Sam Patch Grocery Store. Whether helping customers, sharing stories, or catching up with friends, Korre's warm smile and welcoming personality made everyone feel at home.

Korre also dedicated herself to serving her community through the Island Park Fire Department, where she faithfully served as Secretary for the last twenty years of her life. Her commitment, organizational skills, and willingness to work behind the scenes made her an invaluable part of the department. Through her service, she supported generations of firefighters and helped ensure the department's continued success in serving the Island Park community. Even after the heartbreaking loss of her beloved son, Nathanael, who served as Fire Chief, Korre remained dedicated to the department and the fire service family he loved. She continued serving with the same strength, loyalty, and commitment that defined her life, remaining in her role until the time of her passing.

Korre inherited many things from her mother, Helen, including a strong spirit, stubborn determination, and a legendary sense of authority. Helen and Korre were what many affectionately called "a couple of tough old broads." Neither woman backed down from a challenge, and both had a reputation for telling it exactly like it was.

Perhaps nothing was more famous than "the finger." Korre inherited it directly from Helen. Family and friends knew that when Korre pointed that finger straight at you, you had better pay attention. The sight of it could stop a conversation in its tracks, and many joked that it made grown men quiver. Though it was often a warning sign, it also provided years of laughter, stories, and memories that those who knew her will never forget.

Korre's love for dogs was immeasurable. Throughout her life, she shared a special bond with a series of beloved companions. It began with Rex, who was by her side for much of her first sixteen years. Then came Tippy, an A-Bar legend in his own right and a faithful fixture of family life. Later, Buddy became her constant companion and best friend. Losing Buddy in 2020 broke her heart. In time, her sweet baby girl Angel came into her life and once again filled her days with joy, love, and companionship. Anyone who knew Korre knew the special place Angel held in her heart. Today, we know Angel misses her dearly.

Korre will be remembered for her strength, generosity, quick wit, infectious laugh, and unwavering loyalty to family and friends. She had a remarkable ability to make people feel welcome, whether they were lifelong friends or strangers walking through the door. Her compassion, humor, and resilience touched countless lives throughout Montana, Idaho, and beyond.

Above all else, Korre cherished her family. Her love, guidance, and devotion will continue to live on through those she leaves behind and through the countless memories shared by everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Korre is survived by her brother, Monte Thompson of Rapid City, South Dakota; sisters, Lorrinda Moltzen of Polson, Montana, Melissa Botelho of Hot Springs, Arkansas, Lana Lukas of Orange, California; daughter-in-law, Brianne Brandemihal of Island Park, Idaho; step-daughter, Stephanie Winder of Anchorage, Alaska; Grandchildren through son Nathanael Brandemihl, Titan, Dashael, Lane, Masson; Grandchildren through son Mathew Brandemihl, Brian, Kolton, Mackenzy; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Larry and Helen Thompson; sister, LoAnne Strandberg; brother, Harlee Thompson; sons, Nathanael Brandemihl and Mathew Brandemihl.

A Final Thought

Korre lived a life defined by hard work, fierce love, loyalty to family, and an unforgettable spirit. She could make you laugh, set you straight with a look or a pointed finger, and make you feel welcome all at the same time. She carried on her parents' legacy, weathered life's hardships with courage, loved her family deeply, and never forgot the value of friendship.Whether tending the family business, serving the Island Park Fire Department, loving and supporting her boys, mentoring Stephanie through her school years, spoiling her beloved dogs, sharing stories with friends, or keeping everyone in line with her legendary finger, Korre left an impression that will never be forgotten.The stories will continue to be told, the laughter will continue to be shared, and the memory of this tough, loving, unforgettable woman will never fade.

This obituary was lovingly written through tears, laughter, and cherished memories by her big brother, Monte, with the help of close family and friends. Of all the difficult things he faced in life, saying goodbye to his little sister proved to be among the hardest. How do you capture sixty-four years of love, laughter, heartbreak, determination, family traditions, legendary stories, faithful dogs, and unforgettable memories in just a few pages? The truth is, you cannot. You can only hope to tell enough of the story so others understand why she was so deeply loved.

Korre's chapter may have come to an end, but her story lives on in the hearts of those who knew her, and especially in the heart of a brother who will miss her every day.

Forever Loved.

Forever Remembered.

Forever Missed.

"When someone you love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a treasure.

"Coralee "Korre" Thompson

1962 – 2026

"Her story lives on in the hearts of all who loved her”