James "Gene" Korando

James "Gene" Korando. . , In December of 2009, the lush wetland at the heart of Lover's Pond Nature Preserve was renamed in honor of James "Gene" Korando, a lifelong resident of this area and avid outdoorsman. , Humble Beginnings , "Gene" Korando was born May 26, 1925 on Kaskaskia Island. His family had settled here in the Mississippi bottomlands in the mid-1800s, and Korando grew up exploring the surrounding woods and waterways. , With his wife Pearl, Korando raised seven children and farmed here. He was an avid duck hunter, and one of his favorite hunting spots was Lover's Pond. Korando was well-known locally - and even nationally - for his famous duck soup and for his handmade duck calls., A Man Honored , In 2009, the State of Illinois honored Korando by renaming Lover's Pond for him. The official proclamation cites Korando's dedication to duck hunting, his skill and generosity with his duck calls, and his "big heart" as reasons for the honor. , James "Gene" Korando died September 29, 2010. , Wild Duck Soup , James "Gene" Korando's duck soup is an anticipated treat at the St. Ann's Annual Parish Picnic. Fans purchased 160 gallons of the soup at the 2009 event. The recipe was also chosen for the Ducks Unlimited Cookbook., . 2 mallard ducks , . 2 onions , . Salt and pepper to taste , . 6 stalks celery, finely chopped , . 1/2 green pepper, finely chopped , . 1 potato, finely chopped , . 1 sm. Box long grain and wild rice , . 1/2 cup barley , . 1/4 cup parsley flakes , . 1 pkg. dry onion soup mix , . 1 pkg. dry chicken noodle soup mix , . Egg noodles made from 2 eggs, . Place ducks in large saucepan. Add 2 gallons water, 1 sliced onion, salt and pepper. Cook until duck is tender. Discard onion. Remove meat from bones. Return to broth. Add 1 chopped onion, vegetables, rice, barley and parsley flakes. Do not use rice seasonings. Cook until all ingredients are tender. Add soup mixes, noodles, salt and pepper. Cook until noodles are tender.