Carlton Corey

Carlton Corey, age 88, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2026, at Aspirus Hospice House, Wausau. He was the son of William and Claire (C.) Corey, born in October of 1938 in Washington D.C. and raised in Silver Spring, Md. He spent his summers in Adams Center, N.Y., where his family maintained a farmstead for generations. He graduated from Montgomery Blair H.S., attended the University of Rochester in New York for his undergraduate degree, and attended Michigan State University for his Master’s degree and PhD in Special Education Administration. 

During his life, Carl committed himself to helping others. He was in the third wave of the original Peace Corps and taught at a boys' school in Nigeria. During his college days, he taught at the School for Visually Impaired in Batavia, N.Y. In December of 1971, he married Donna (S.), with whom he had two daughters, Cristi and Jennie. In 1976, he moved his family to Rhinelander, when he became Special Education Administrator for the School District of Rhinelander, where he worked until 1989. Carl and Donna amicably separated in 1987.

For his second career, he explored his love of medicine and helping others by becoming an Emergency Medical Technician. In July of 1993, he married Rebecca (M.) and gained a stepson, Kristofer, and a stepdaughter, Kirsten. Carl continued to progress his career and became a Paramedic at the age of 63. He worked in Emergency Services for both Howard Young Medical Center, Woodruff, and then St. Mary's Hospital in Rhinelander, until he retired at the age of 74. His true joys were family, making Sunday morning waffles, being in nature, and being able to meet and help so many people throughout his life and careers. He never met a stranger.

Carl is survived by his wife, Rebecca Corey; two daughters, Cristi (Dan) Corey-Luse and Jennie Corey; stepson Kris (Mary) Larsen; and two granddaughters, Alexia Corey-Luse and Anetta Larsen. He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Claire; his brother, David; his stepdaughter, Kirsten; and his ex-wife, Donna.

Visitation for Carl will be held on Thursday, November 19, 2026 from 10 a.m. to noon, with memorial services following at noon, all at the Carlson Funeral Home. Reverend Tim Grade will be officiating. You may leave your private condolences for the Corey family at www.carlsonfh.com. The Carlson Funeral Home (715-369-1414) is serving the Corey family.