It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our beloved husband, father, son, and brother: Cory Stewart Karren. Cory passed away unexpectedly following years of enduring mental illness on September 8, 2023.
Cory was born on December 14, 1973 to Stewart Lloyd and Diana Jackman Karren in Madison, Wisconsin. When he was 4 years old his family moved to Salt Lake City, Utah. Cory graduated from Jordan High School in 1992. Then he served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Seattle, Washington. When he returned home he worked various jobs until going to work for R.C. Willey Home Furnishings. While working there he met a co-worker named Heather Groneman and was instantly smitten. They began to date on September 26, 1996. For their first date he asked her if she would like to go rock rappelling and she said: "No". The thought terrified her. However, Cory persuaded her and they went. Obviously they returned safely. They continued to date and they married on June 19, 1998 in the Salt Lake Temple. Over time they had 4 wonderful children: Taylor Diane, Hayden Cory, Bruklyn Holley, and Sierra Heather. After marriage he went to work and began his lifelong career in the telecommunications industry.
Cory was an avid hiker. He loved the outdoors, the beauties of nature, and sharing those things with family and friends. We are fortunate to have many pictures of those outdoor adventures to provide us with memories.
Cory knew the value of hard work and he was one of the hardest workers we have ever known. This gift of working hard translated into an incredible work ethic in his chosen field of labor. He made every effort to learn his trade and he had what can best be described as an encyclopedic knowledge of the technical aspects of his field. In other words (for all of us common folk), he knew what he was doing. He used this knowledge to the benefit of his employers and their many customers. He often said: “I just want to go to work each day and do the best job I can for my employer and enjoy my job.”
The workplace was not the only example of the excellence seen in the jobs he did. When he did any job he did it well. This can be seen by looking at his yard. He provided a beautiful yard for his family to enjoy that included trees, shrubs, flowers, and gardens with attractive borders. As his children grew he taught them how to take care of those lawns and gardens.
Cory knew how to fix just about anything - - from a leaky pipe in the house to the most difficult repairs on his vehicles. Cory could often be seen working on his dad's truck or one of the vehicles in his own family. One of the last things he did was repair his daughter's vehicle.
Cory also had a humorous way of relating stories about being a husband, father, and raising children which often included phrases and words which brought laughter. Sometimes we would find ourselves asking "What does that even mean?" or "Is that really a word or phrase?" At times like this he would look at us with a mischievous grin on his face.
When Cory knew someone else was down he was always willing to help lift them up. Cory knew what it was like to feel down and had great sympathy and compassion for others who were suffering. He taught his children many things about how to deal with difficult or hard experiences. He also provided valuable advice to others in his areas of experience and expertise.
Cory is survived by his loving wife Heather and his children Taylor, Hayden, Bruklyn, and Sierra; his parents Stewart and Diana; and his two sisters Shannan (Ryan) Hoffman and Kimberly (Josh) Butt. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, loving relatives, and friends. We love him and will miss him.
In lieu of flowers, a GoFundMe has been created to help the family.
Funeral services for Cory will be held at 11AM on Monday, September 18, 2023 at the Parkwood Ward, 5927 South Park Wood Drive in Kearns, Utah. A public visitation will take place on the evening of Sunday, September 17, 2023 from 6-8PM at Larkin Mortuary – Riverton, 3688 West 12600 South in Riverton, Utah. There will be no public visitation prior to services on Monday. This time will be used for family to gather and heal. However, everyone is welcome to the Funeral Services on Monday at 11AM.
Interment will follow at the Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park in Millcreek, Utah.
Funeral services will be streamed via Zoom for those wishing to attend virtually. To watch the streamed services, please click the “Watch Services” link above.
Please accept my sincere condolences to you all! My heart goes out to you. My deepest thoughts of love and caring. I am so sorry! Aleta Jacobs (Michael's mom)
Oh Heather and family!
We are just heart broken to hear of Cory’s passing. We use to live next door to you and just loved having your little family as our neighbors. We have always been in awe of how meticulously and beautifully Cory kept your yard. Your yard is an oasis in a struggling neighborhood. We could tell how appreciative Cory was for the things he had. He would thoroughly clean his lawn mower and other gardening tools after every use, thus demonstrating the importance of ensuring their continued functionality.
We pray our Heavenly Father will bestow upon each one of you His love and strength to help you get through this incredibly difficult time in your lives. Our Heavenly Father’s love and Cory’s love for each of you is eternal and will bless you always..
-The Cochrane Clan-
My Deepest Condolence, To Both Sides Of His Family: And, All That Knew Cory: I Did Not Get a Chance to meet Him: Yet, He Sounded Like A Good Person:(All Around) Heather: "May God" Help "You" through This Diffucult Time: Your Daughters As Well: My Prayers Are With You: & Your Daughters: & His Family: His Memory & Legacy: Will live On: (Through) Each One Of You: Again: My Deepest Sympathy: Christy Johnson & Family
Stewart & Diana, My heart breaks for you. Losing a child is so difficult. Whenever I think about family members that I have lost, I almost always see Aunt Ruth's face smiling at me and saying we are family, we will meet again someday. I lost my Mom last December, I am praying that mom is with Aunt Ruth & Aunt Rayma and they are catching up on all the time spent apart. Love cousin Debbie.
I just learned today of Cory’s passing. I am so sorry. Cory and I worked together at Beehive Broadband. He is a good soul. I enjoyed his company and friendship. We had a lot of great conversations about Heather and the kids. We discussed life, work, mountain biking, the great outdoors and I always enjoyed seeing the newest pocket knife in his collection. Cory told me the story of how he and Heather met at R.C. Willey. He knew what was important in life and that was Heather and the kids. I am deeply saddened at his passing and am so sorry for your loss.
My deepest condolences to your family. I wish we would've received word earlier to help shows our support to the family during this difficult time. I worked with Cory for several years at Beehive Broadband in the OSP Team. Cory was our go to employee for his aerial skills and expertise. I'm saddened of the news of his passing. He talked of his family often and shared the love he had for his wife and children. He often talked about helping fix their cars or being in the outdoors and showing off every pocket knife he owned. He loved his family dearly. He was a proud Dad and husband. Sending my love, thoughts and prayers to your family. -Autumn
I am so sorry for your loss. I just learned of Cory's passing. I had the privilege of working with Cory at Beehive Broadband. He was a very hard worker. I know he loved his family. He will be missed.
I worked with Corey at Americom. He was a great guy and good work buddy. We talked about life and both wished to find the answers to the mysteries of the universe. I will miss him immensely.