Korey L. King

Korey Lee King, Hatley/Town of Reid/Kingville, 67, passed away peacefully in the loving care of his family and Wausau Hospital palliative care early morning Wednesday, January 24, 2024.

Korey was born on Monday, July 23, 1956 to the late William Joseph and Sally May (Sickler) King in Wausau, Wisconsin. He was the oldest of five children: Alan, Lane, Perry, and Jill. Together they lived on a dairy farm south of Hatley.

Korey was introduced to the love of the outdoors at a young age which included fishing, hunting, trapping, and gardening. Korey also bred and raised many prize-winning Walker hounds among many of the animals in his yard.

Korey worked as a mason his entire life and became a master craftsman at brick and stone laying. His work can be seen in many homes around the community and was featured in a Parade of Homes article in the local paper.

On May 7, 1976 Korey married Mary Ellen Howard and together they raised three children Kristy LaRae, Collin David, and Katie Rose. Korey shared this love of the outdoors with his children through time in the woods together.

In Korey’s later years, he was known for his ‘mother hen’ like tendencies, and lived for his grandchildren Jordon, Zackery, and Hailey. He welcomed them whole heartily, showing them his love and knowledge of the outdoors.

Korey is survived by his four siblings Alan (Ann), Lane, Perry (Margie) King, and Jill (Kim) Fandrey. Three children Kristy (Holly Walters), Collin (Aimee Gilkenson) King, and Katie (Adam) Neumann. Three grandchildren Jordon Zunker, Zackery and Hailey King. Many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Korey was preceded in death by his parents, nephew Remington King, and former wife and mother of his children Mary King.

A celebration of his life will take place this Saturday, February 3rd at the Reid Town Hall in Pike Lake, WI from 12 - 4pm. Words will be shared around 2/2:30pm. If you feel so inclined, bring a dish to pass and beverages of choice.

In lieu of flowers, we invite you to bring seeds with stories. Dad wanted so badly to plant one more garden, help us create this for him this spring. And/or a small object from nature that reminds you of Korey - pinecone, twig/stick, stone/rock, water from a stream or lake, sand, soil, leaves, dried garden goodies, etc.

Special thanks to all the nurses, doctors, aids, and pig stickers that cared for him through his years with cancer. Thank you for treating him well. Thank you for allowing us more time with him, we are so grateful.

As Korey would do, get out in the woods, from the water to the trees, embrace the healing powers nature provides us.