Corey Richard Tourangeau

WILSON — Corey Richard Tourangeau, 43, of Wilson, passed away on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, after a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer. Corey was born on April 9, 1981, son to Wally Tourangeau and Jo Ann Neubauer.

Corey spent most of his early childhood days at the family farm on 551 in Wilson, then tried out city life in Escanaba for a few years. A first-class tinkerer, the connection to 551 was strong and by his mid-teens, Corey moved back to the farm with his dad. Corey loved to spend his days taking apart engines, or anything that did or did not need fixing, and putting it back together his way and often better. Corey was usually covered in grease or dirt, but anything most considered work he did with a beaming smile and many laughs.

Life at the farm suited Corey, he built race tracks and sprint cars, lifelong friendships, started projects, finished most of them and took care of his dad. Corey would test all the limits, never worried about time and skipped convention to really just enjoy his life. He would fall in love with each new hobby, which usually involved a motor, but he also ventured into gardening and eventually took his carpentry skills to the workforce. When the opportunity presented itself, Wally sent Corey across the street where he bought a house of his own.

Corey was a hard worker, was always up for a challenge and once something no longer served him, he moved on. He tried everything from cutting trees in the woods, to running cable with his brother, to industrial painting and laying asphalt. One of his favorite gigs was selling Christmas trees in Chicago for Dombrowski’s and other local tree farmers. The stories he came back with were a highlight of the family Christmas gatherings, and left his family all but certain he was kind of famous in some little suburb of Chicago. Eventually, work took on a new meaning when he found his way in construction and started working at Viau Inc. A company that embraced his talents and a job he did with great pride and dedication for as long as physically possible.

Corey found his special someone and married Shannon (Nantelle) Sexton on January 25, 2019. They added two daughters to their blended family and he put all his love and passion into being a doting dad and husband. Corey’s greatest joy was sharing the secret ins and outs of his authentic country life with his family.

Corey is survived by his wife, Shannon, and their children, Andre Benson, Neeko Perry, Tatiiana and Gentae Sexton and Arriahnna and Zayda Tourangeau, all of Wilson; his mom, Jo Ann (Dick Larsen) Neubauer of Escanaba; siblings, Kelli Tourangeau, Jaimee (Andrea) Tourangeau, Brian (Jenny) Tourangeau, Becky

(Zach) Ericksen all of Escanaba, Art Tourangeau of Wilson and bonus brother, Rick (Jess) Larsen of Escanaba; and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Corey was preceded in death by his dad Wally Tourangeau, mother-in-law Sandra Wellman, infant brother Richard Tourangeau and his loyal dog Itchy.

A visitation for Corey will take place for friends and family at Crawford Funeral Chapel, 1236 Old Hwy 2 & 41, Bark River on Wednesday, April 24 from 3-6 p.m., with a prayer service to follow.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to assist the family with services. A message of condolence or a donation may be made by visiting www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net and using the tribute fund tab.

The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the family with arrangements.