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Corey Hilber Obituary
Corey James Hilber died suddenly and unexpectedly on December 15, 2012. A wake will be held Thursday at Hansen-Schilling Funeral Home in Marshfield from 4 to 8 p.m. A memorial service will be held on Friday at 10 a.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Marshfield.
Corey was born on August 12, 1985 to Donna and Richard Hilber in Marshfield, WI. He was a 2004 graduate of Marshfield High School, and he graduated from UW-Eau Claire in 2008 with a degree in mathematics and economics. From March 2009 to May 2011, Corey volunteered with the Peace Corps in Kyrgyzstan, working with local organizations to improve living conditions in his region. Upon his return to the states, he lived in Chicago - the 'Windy Apple,' as he called it - with friends and fellow Peace Corps volunteers.
Corey was a genuinely loving and thoughtful person. He was quick-witted and charismatic, fast to make lifelong friends. He had a passion for helping others - both abroad teaching English in Japan and volunteering in Kyrgystan, and at home mentoring high school students and planting community gardens. His love for travel was ignited during a semester abroad in 2006, living in Växjö, Sweden, during his sophomore year in college. Here, he made friends the world over and saw much of it, too. Most recently Corey focused his time on local food production and urban agriculture in the Chicago area. He kept a backyard garden and shared its bounty with people from all walks of life. His curry-making skills were legendary.
Above all else, Corey sincerely cared about his friends and family. He loved a good adventure and knew the value of a good goof. He enjoyed serenading all those in earshot with the sweet sounds of his accordion and often instigated sing-alongs with friends and strangers alike. His zest for life and generosity to his friends and family will never be forgotten.
Corey is lovingly survived by his mother Donna Hilber (James Rogney), brothers Michael and Jacob, and grandmothers Janet Williams and Elaine Bushman. He is further survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and a worldwide network of friends. Corey was preceded in death by his father and grandfathers.
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Memories and Condolences
for Corey Hilber
Jessica
March 14, 2013
To Corey's Family and Friends-
Corey and I worked together at the Oak Park Farmers' Market last season. I had no idea about Corey's death until yesterday when I googled his name. I was and am so shocked and saddened.
I didn't know Corey for very long, but one probably didn't have to know him very long to know that he was such a caring and downright good person. We enjoyed talking about gardening and music. I remember him playing Hank Williams on his car stereo. He always had a smile and something interesting to say. I will miss him and even though I only knew him for a short time, I think his memory will be with me for a very long time.
It was nice to see all the tributes and the fundraiser that others have done in his honor. Corey obviously touched a LOT of people in his short life.
March 13, 2013
To the family of Corey,
I just learned today of Corey's passing and I am saddened and shocked. I had the great pleasure of working with Corey last summer at the Oak Park Farmers Market and he was simply delightful. He had such a great sense of humor and a calming spirit which made our work experience so enjoyable. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Beth Metzler
March 6, 2013
To the family of Corey,
I know this is very late, but I was and still am at a loss for words. Those who knew Corey said some very beautiful things and wonderful stories that I whatever I may say could not ever come even close to comparing to. Just know my thoughts and prayers were and still are with all of you. May time heal your hearts. God Bless.
Mary Tollard
February 12, 2013
To Donna, James, Mike, Jake, Elaine & Janet: I am so very sorry for the tremendous loss you are suffering. I remember Corey more as a little boy at my aunt Elaine (his Grandmother's) house with his brothers. I regret not having gotten to know him better as an adult, as it does sound like he became a wonderful, caring, and fun loving person with many friends. I believe heaven has gained another angel!
January 19, 2013
I read this as a news story because Corey and I share a common surname and heritage in the Hilber families of Wisconsin. Didn't know Corey, but his life story touched me deeply. I am just a little and unrighteously proud and shamed to have to say I did not know thee and am the poorer for it. Richard J. Hilber, Saint Paul, MN
Ian Jacoby
December 31, 2012
The first time I met Corey, he was dancing in my living room. He was a great kind-hearted person, and someone I really admired. I will miss him.
DeArthur Banister
December 28, 2012
I worked with Corey in Chicago for a few short months. He had bright look on life, always happy, smiling and laughing. I'm saddened by lost that his family had to experience and pray for strength and send my condolences to his family in this tragic loss!
Carrie Garczynski
December 23, 2012
Corey's giggle was contagious. He ALWAYS had some funny story, come-back or one-liner that made you laugh.
Doug Rahden
December 22, 2012
I had the opportunity to work with Corey early this year for a few short months. He was such a happy and nice guy and it always brightened my day if I was able to work with him. I remember being so impressed with listening to him describe his work in the Peace Corps. I was so sad to hear this news. He was a great guy. He will be missed.
My thoughts are with the Hilber family during this difficult time.
Andrea
December 22, 2012
I worked with Corey for a short while this past year, and he was always so pleasant to be around and made everyone laugh at his quirkiness and fun spirit. I was saddened by the news of his death.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family as I'm sure it's harder with the season.
May God bring you peace to your loss.
Jared Neumann
December 21, 2012
Personally, I have never seen Corey with a frown on his face. He indeed was a bright soul, one that will not be forgotten soon. I will never forget his jokes, or his unforgettable laugh that always followed.
Besh Tash 2009
December 21, 2012
I honestly do not have a memory of Corey when he was not smiling. I met him in the spring of 2009. He came to the Oblast of Talas in Kyrgyzstan when I was finishing my time in said country. We became friends quickly, enjoying each other's sense of humor – dryer than toast. He had a warm heart, gentle soul and a hardy laugh – which I will never forget. I wish you Peace my friend and that everlasting.
Your friend in time,
John Hendrikse
Justin Sova
December 21, 2012
Donna, Mike, and Jake,
I am so sorry to hear about Corey. It seems like only yesterday I ran into him and Jake on the bridge by phoenix park. Your family will be in our thoughts, hearts, and prayers.
Sherry Slocum
December 21, 2012
Dear Donna and Family, We were so sad to hear about your loss. Please know you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
December 21, 2012
Sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
-Trina Kaiser
Jane Lenz
December 20, 2012
The weather may have prevented us from being there physically, but we are with you Donna & Jim spiritually. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family. I will call you next week. Please take care & accept comfort in the friends that surround you (especially that wonderful Eye dept "family"). Love Jane & Tim (AKA Chippy)
Sean and Jen Carey
December 20, 2012
My wife and I went to UWEC with Corey. He was known around town as a warm, bright, good-spirited person. He will be missed.
Nicole Wohlrab
December 20, 2012
So saddened when I learned of Corey's death. I worked with Corey for one year while he was an RA in my residence hall. He was smart, witty and very caring. His door was always open,tea often brewing and he was happy to share a cup. His whistling let me know he was on his way down the hall to see me and the giant (3 1/2 foot) whisk he made for his bulletin board that year was one of a kind. Prayers to all of Corey's family.
Shelly Bushman
December 20, 2012
You have my deepest sympathy Donna, Jim and all the family, I can remember Corey as a little boy always having fun. And am truley amazed what all he had done for so many, he will be missed by many. Look up to that shinning star everynight and he will be watching over you. So sorry for you sadness this time of year. God will bless you and take care of everything.
Ben Schierman
December 19, 2012
I'll never forget when you burned a bag of popcorn in our dorm and set off the fire alarm. I'll miss ya buddy.
Karli Kirchhoefer
December 19, 2012
In the few family holidays I was lucky enough to share with Corey and his brothers,I was thoroughly entertained by his wit, impressed by his intelligence, and taken back by his amazing devotion to making the world a better place one place, one person, one moment at a time. I now only wish I could have spent more of those family gatherings around him. The extra moments would have surely made my heart a little larger and my smile a little wider! His ability to make you feel at ease simply by stepping into the same room was delightfully unexpected and wonderful; and hearing just a moment of his unique and contagious laughter could brighten even your darkest day!
The world is a better place because of what he gave of himself in his work here and abroad. We are all very lucky to have shared even a tiny portion of his talented and inspiring life while he was here.
To Donna, Jim, and the boys; my heart weeps for you in this time of loss. Please have faith that in time one by one your tears will be replaced with faint smiles and fond memories. Corey is now where he can watch over all those that he's helped, cared for, and loved during the time we were blessed to have him near. God must have needed an especially bright soul in the heavens, to have called Corey home to him. In time may you see that he's right beside you with every step you take, standing behind you to catch you if you fall, and will forever walk beside you hand in hand until you are able to throw your arms around him once again amongst the clouds.
The stars will shine a little brighter now that Corey is among them. With heartfelt love and comfort...
Eric Jamelske
December 19, 2012
Corey Hilber was a great young man. A very cood student and a very good citizen. He had an infectious smile and a wonderful laugh. He wwill be missed dearly by all that knew him and even those that did not.
Michael Ferracane
December 19, 2012
I'm so sad to hear this news. Thinking about Corey always brought a smile to my face, and I have nothing but the fondest memories of him. My thoughts are with the rest of his friends and family.
Jeb Kaiser
December 19, 2012
My thoughts have been of Corey since I heard of his passing last weekend. My deepest sympathy is with his family and friends. My son Drew was a close friend. Corey was a young man who touched everyone he met.
Amanda Stangl
December 19, 2012
So sorry to hear of the loss of Corey. Keeping his friends and family in my thoughts and prayers.
Elizabeth Mancl
December 19, 2012
The Hilber family is in my thoughts. I am very sorry for your loss. Corey will be greatly missed.
Jaclyn "Weihe" Schulte
December 19, 2012
Corey James Hilber was a wonderful person. I was lucky enough to get to know him as an RA in Eau Claire. He always put a smile on my face. I actually was just thinking about Corey last week. I went to a concert where there was an accordion player and thought he would have enjoyed the music. You will be greatly missed Corey James Hilber.
December 19, 2012
To the Hilber family:
We are so sorry to learn of the sudden passing of Corey. We are very grateful to him for his service to our nation as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Kyrgyzstan.
Our Condolences,
The National Peace Corps Association
Jack Kaiser
December 19, 2012
Your family has my deepest sympathy. I met Corey only once, that being a very pleasant family evening at an organic farm near Cochrane, eating wood-fired pizza and comparing stories of my memories of working the Hefko Pool in the 60's and his much more modern memories of the Hefko. He was a close friend of my nephew, Drew Kaiser. Our whole family will keep Corey and you in our prayers.
Laura Hancock
December 19, 2012
I will always remember the value of goofing off with you in Kyrgyzstan - made some dark days much brighter. Your wit, charisma, and care will not be forgotten. Rest in peace; you will be missed.
Miles Rinehart
December 18, 2012
I'll miss you Corey, you were a great friend.
Clayton Brice
December 18, 2012
I have some great memories of playing music with Corey. We always laughed, sang and had a wonderful time together.
PaHoua Lee
December 18, 2012
Your life was like a flower in bloom, bringing beauty into the lives of those who crossed paths with you. And at the end of the season, you were plucked away, like petals floating in the wind. Rest in peace, Corey. I wish I would have told you how much you impacted my life. Your beauty will be remembered.
Nicholas Martin
December 18, 2012
You changed the lives of many during your life and we will always remember you. Rest in Peace friend.
Annie Kohler
December 18, 2012
I will always remember the happy and fun times I spent with Corey. My heart is with you.
Christa Loughea
December 18, 2012
I will miss you I love Corey
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