Robert Warren Corey, 67, died at home in Apple Valley, Minnesota, on October 3, 2018, surrounded by his family. Robert died following a lengthy illness.

Robert was born in Amery, Wisconsin on September 10, 1951 to Warren "Pete" Wilson Corey and Marian (Wanttinen) Corey, who owned the Corey Oil Company in Amery. He came into this world at the old hospital, at a time when so many babies were born that he and his life-long friend Greg "Jeep" Larson, born two days earlier, shared their first days in dresser drawers for lack of bassinets.

Robert attended the Amery Public Schools, was active in debate, the golf team, and enjoyed skiing and playing tennis. He was a member of the Congregational Church and the Pilgrim Fellowship. An avid golfer, he played in the Thursday Night Men's League for "Bob's Balmers" at the Amery Golf Course for many years. He made life-long friendships during those years.

He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and then received his Juris Doctorate from Drake University School of Law in Des Moines, Iowa.

Robert married Patricia "Trish" Bentley of Green Bay, Wisconsin, in 1990 in the Congregational Church in Amery. They lived in Eau Claire before moving to Eagan, Minnesota, where they lived until June, 2018, when they moved to Apple Valley.

They have two children. Elizabeth Ann Corey, age 26, a graduate student in public health at the University of Minnesota, and Thomas Robert Corey, age 24, a business school graduate of the University of North Dakota, employed at Hormel. Robert was a proud father whose children delighted in family visits to the cabin on North Twin Lake, skiing, school accomplishments and events, scouting activities and especially Christmas. Some of the family's fondest memories were trips to the North Shore to view the fall colors and game nights on Fridays. Robert loved his canine children Rusty and Foxy. Tassu the cat was always by his side and most recently Joey enjoyed curling up in his lap.

Family times at North Twin were joyous and enlightening, particularly at night by the fire and enjoying fireworks. Robert delighted in a fine flame which he kept fueled with wood, "girl scout juice", and superb conversation.

Robert practiced law in Wisconsin and Minnesota, emphasizing commercial property law. He also spent many hours managing the Corey Farm at Ubet. That farm, a Century Farm dating from 1871, remains in the family and is a testament to Robert's dedication to the family legacy.

Robert was the acknowledged family historian and willingly shared information regarding ancestors from Osceola who fought for the Wisconsin Cavalry in the Civil War as well as other Coreys who fought in the Revolutionary War. He shared interesting, odd and quirky family historical facts as well. His keen intelligence and wit were treasured. Relatives visiting in the area could always count on the local history tour from "Uncle Bob."

Robert's mother, the daughter of Finnish immigrants, interested her children in her heritage. Robert travelled to Finland with his mother and sister. He,Trish and their children also hosted visits from Finnish relatives. Over the years, Robert and Trish opened their home to many family reunion and get-togethers. It was a rare weekend when one of their children's friends were not staying the night or enjoying a meal with the family.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, his wife's parents Hugh and Dorothy Bentley of Green Bay, and his brother-in-law Keith Johnson.

In addition to his wife, daughter and son, Robert is survived by dear family friend Margaret Bratton, his sister Barbara Lynn Corey, husband William Pierce Hay III of Lakebay, Washington; nephews Warren Joseph Corey-Boulet , his wife Makaela, and their children Abigail Rose and Graham Thomas, of Tacoma, Washington; William Barnes, his wife Amy, and their daughter Harper Grace, of Puyallup, Washington ; Robbie Corey-Boulet of Brooklyn, New York; and Ian Corey-Boulet of Tacoma, Washington; as well as his brother Brian Foster Corey, wife Diane of Minnetonka, Minnesota and their daughters Ariel Corey of Minnetonka and Riva Corey of Los Angeles, California; many other nieces and nephews; Joel Aberg of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, a cherished family friend that Robert's children have considered an Uncle all of their lives; Margaret Cooper; as well as many other relatives and dear friends.

Memorials are preferred to Fairview Hospice, who provided exceptionally kind care to Robert and his family, and to the National Fragile X Tremor Ataxia Foundation so that important research will continue to find treatment and an eventual cure.

Funeral Services will be 11 AM on Saturday, October 6, 2018 at the Amery United Congregational Church of Christ with Rev. Barry Schaefer officiating. Visitation will be held from 9 – 11 AM on Saturday at the Church. Interment will be at the Sand Lake Cemetery following the service.