Corey R. Gradert

Corey R. Gradert, 53, of Colona, Illinois, passed away unexpectedly Monday, June 17th, 2024. A private funeral service will be held. Cremation rites will be accorded following the funeral service and an inurnment will be held at a later date at North Cemetery, Geneseo.  Visitation will be 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 23, 2024, at Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory - Geneseo Chapel.  Memorial donations can be made to the Corey Gradert Memorial Fund. 

Corey was born September 23rd, 1970, in Geneseo, Illinois, son of Richard and Lynda (LeMaster) Gradert. Corey grew up on the family farm in Atkinson with his parents and four older sisters. Corey graduated from Geneseo High School in 1989 and continued his education at Western Illinois University receiving his Bachelors of Agricultural Science. Corey met the love of his life, Jennifer, while they were in high school, and they later married on June 19th, 1992. They began their married life together at the family farm where they brought their four children home. The family moved around for Corey’s job but landed in Colona for the last nine years where the family enjoyed many pizza nights, pool days, and laughs in the living room. 

Corey had a lifelong passion for agriculture. He was a man dedicated to raising cattle on his family farm. Above all, Corey was a loving husband, father, and Papa. Corey taught us all to treat others with kindness, to always reach out to your people, to include everyone in your life. Corey was a friend to all and would do anything for anyone who needed it. He was the hardest working man, constantly working to fix things around the house and the farm. Corey suffered from a lifelong battle of depression, and it ultimately ended his life. Corey struggled to feel adequate, welcomed and wanted. He tried his best every day to prove himself to the ones around him. No matter what, his family will always be proud of the person he was and who he raised his children to be. Corey touched numerous lives throughout his time on Earth. May his electric smile, belly laugh, and huge heart live on in the memories of us all. The world was a better place with him in it and we will spend the rest of our lives missing him. 

Corey is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Jennifer; their four children, Macey (Jacob) Miller, of Geneseo; Reid (Katie) Gradert, of Atkinson, Lynsey (Oscar) Raygoza, of East Moline, and Cole Gradert, of Ames; grandchildren Indie, Beau & Gianna; mother- in-law, Deb DeBoever of Geneseo; sister-in-law Marisa (TJ) Thompson, of Geneseo; nephew and nieces Tyler (Paige), Makenzie, and Madison Thompson; parents, Richard & Lynda Gradert of Geneseo;  four sisters, Tracy, Tari, Kari, Kelly; many nieces, nephews & cousins; and friends that Corey considered family.

Corey is proceeded in death by his paternal grandparents Wilber & Elizabeth Gradert, maternal grandparents Hobe & Faye LeMaster, father-in-law John DeBoever, Jenni’s grandparents Morris & Gertrude DeBoever, Gerald & Joyce Massey, and nephew Luke Bazan.