Corey Thompsen

ST. JOSEPH - Corey Steven Thompsen, 28, of rural St. Joseph died in the line of duty Friday afternoon (Oct. 18, 2024) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Corey was an Illinois state trooper assigned to Troop 7 in Pesotum.

Corey was born Aug. 28, 1996, in Urbana, to Steve and Susan Thompsen of St. Joseph. He grew up in St. Joseph, graduating from St. Joseph-Ogden High School in 2014. He graduated from Danville Area Community College in the criminal justice program and then attended Western Illinois University. Corey graduated from Indiana State University, where he received a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice in 2018. Corey was an avid runner and was a four-year letter winner in cross-country and track in high school and ran cross-country for both Western Illinois University and Danville Area Community College. Corey married his best friend Chelsea Blaase on June 2, 2024, in the mountains of Tennessee. Their wedding was as beautiful as they are! Following his graduation from college, Corey then graduated from the Southwestern Police Academy-session 137 and began his law enforcement career. He worked with the Vermilion County Metropolitan Enforcement Group (VMEG). Corey attended the Illinois State Police Academy, Cadet Class 130, then was assigned to State Police District 10 in Pesotum. In 2022, Corey joined the Illinois State Police Motorcycle Enforcement Bureau. In 2023, Corey was assigned to the Central Special Operations Group (SOG) Fatal 4 Team, serving the Illinois State Police in Troop 7.

Corey loved being a state trooper and was especially proud of being a part of the motor unit. They were his second family and a tight-knit group of friends. He participated in several escort details across the state that included the president, vice president, memorial services and charity bike rides.

Outside of his work, Corey loved vehicles. He was so particular about every one he ever owned and took meticulous care of them. He and Chelsea recently bought his family home and were looking forward to building their life together there. But most of all, Corey was a family man. Chelsea, his parents, brothers, grandparents and extended family were everything to him. He loved family gatherings and was a big part of all of them. Teasing and joking around were his favorite activities with his family, but he was always there when anyone needed him.

Corey is survived by his wife, Chelsea; parents; brothers, Ryan of Naperville and Mitchell of Champaign; Chelsea's parents, Doug and Nanci Blaase of Ogden; and his brother-in-law, Drew Blaase of Danville. He also leaves his maternal grandparents, Joseph and Barbara Peters of St. Joseph; paternal grandparents, John and Donna Thompsen of St. Joseph; and extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins. Corey loved his German shepherds, Garmin and Grimm; he spoiled them rotten!

Corey was a member of the FOP Troopers Lodge 41, Alpha Phi Sigma ndational criminal justice society and Phi Theta Kappa honor society. Corey was a respected member of the Illinois State Police and a friend to so many. He was deeply loved and will be sorely missed. Nothing can take away Corey's memory, which is held dear in all our hearts.        

Visitation will be on Saturday, Oct. 26, from 1 to 5 p.m. at  St. Joseph-Ogden High School with a first responder walk through at 5 p.m. The funeral will be held Sunday, Oct. 27, at 1 p.m. at Faith United Methodist Church, 1719 S. Prospect Ave., Champaign. Burial will be in Patterson Cemetery, St. Joseph.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a memorial fund set up in Corey's name at any University of Illinois Credit Union branch. This will provide a scholarship to St. Joseph-Ogden High School students entering the field of criminal justice.

The family would like to express our sincere thanks to all the first responders, the Carle trauma team, the community, C.O.P.S., the 100 Club and the Illinois State Police for all their efforts and support.

Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, is assisting the family with the services. Condolences may be left at freesefh.com.