Obituaries

Cory Richard Case, age 65, of Ludington, Michigan, died on November 21, 2025 in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. He was born on January 4, 1960, in Ludington, to Willard and Mary (Mortensen) Case.

Cory grew up in Ludington and graduated from Ludington High School with the class of 1978. He began working for his father at just eleven years old, where he learned the electrical trade from the ground up. Cory met the love of his life, Cheryl Curran, and the two were married on March 28, 1986, in Ludington. He continued working alongside his dad at Willie’s Electric for many years before going on to work for several regional electrical companies. Cory also served as the Mason County Electrical Inspector for five years, and taught many electrical code update courses to colleagues throughout his career. Cory ended his career working at Oxy Chemical Corporation in Ludington for ten years before retiring on January 5, 2025.

He was proud to serve his community as a member of the United Steelworkers #12773, serving as Union President for several years, and as a volunteer firefighter in Ludington for nine years.

Cory didn’t know how to relax, and was always “puttering” around the house looking for something to do. Cory had a gift for maneuvering or fixing anything; insisting he handle house repairs and remodels, rewire a pre-built christmas decoration so it shined brighter, and even mending a loved one's broken heart. He enjoyed cheering on the Detroit Tigers, going on walks with his dog, Ruby, and spending time at the cabin with friends and family. Cory was lovingly known as “Papa” to his grandchildren, the light of his life, and he was never happier than when he was with them. He was proud to be an American and spent almost every Fourth of July carrying on his father’s tradition of cooking brats, having water fights, and lighting off fireworks in the backyard. Cory lived life without an agenda, taking each day as it came and giving his full presence to the people in his life.

Cory is survived by his wife of thirty-nine years, Cheryl Case of Ludington; son, Lance Andrew (Tiffany) Case of Ludington; daughter, Haley Jean (Garrett) Yax of Sault Ste, Marie; grandchildren, Quinn Richard Case, Layton Maryann Yax, and Reid Solon Yax; and sisters, Billie (Tim) Anderson and Dawn Coleman Richard, both of Ludington, and several nieces and nephews.

Cory was preceded in death by his parents, Willard and Mary; and sister, Sheree Nicholson.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 29, 2025, from 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM at American Legion Post 76 in Ludington, Michigan. Willie’s famous brats will be prepared by his sons, Lance and Garrett.

Condolences may be given to the family at www.familylifefh.com.