Cory Wilken

Cory John Wilken, 41, of Union, formerly of Eldora, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, May 12, 2021 at MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center. Friends and family of Cory are invited to a public visitation on Friday, May 21 from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. at Mitchell Family Funeral Home, 1209 Iowa Ave W., Marshalltown. A family led celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 22,  2021 at 2:00 P.M. at Daisy Long  Memorial County Park, 33671 CO RD D65 Union, IA 50258. For additional questions or to leave a condolence, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234. Cory was born April 30, 1980 in Waterloo to his mother Becky Wilken. He grew up in Eldora and was a lifelong resident of Hardin County. On October 19, 2007, he was united in marriage to Tara Vrem in Eldora. Though they had separated, they remained best friends. Cory later met the love of his life, Ashley Wilken and they were planning to be married this September. Both women have been very supportive in Cory’s work as a truck driver and in raising their children. Family meant everything to him. He will fondly be remembered by all for his sense of humor, especially his “dad jokes.” Cory will also be remembered as caring and loving, for his generous spirit, for his strength and for his strong will. In his free time, Cory was a volunteer fire fighter for Whitten and Grand Junction. He loved anything outdoors, especially fishing and racing. He also enjoyed watching movies and mechanics.  Left to cherish his memory are his soulmates: Tara Wilken and Ashley Wilken; his children: Shavonna McLaughlin-Gaumer, Trista Shore, Dukotah (Shea) Vrem, Taylor Wilken, Christopher Wilken, Lexi Wilken, Paige Wilken, Adalynn Wilken and Darwin Jones; 3 grandchildren: Damon, Zayden and Lyric and many, many friends, including his best friends: Eddy Mason, Benjamin Rooker, The Miller Family and the Terry Family. Cory is preceded in death by his son, Briar Wilken; his mother, Becky Jacobs; his nephew, Gavin Hildreth and his grandparents.