Corey Patrick Kaercher

Corey Patrick Kaercher, age 71, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at Mayo Clinic Hospital Rochester, Saint Marys Campus. Corey was born on January 2, 1953, in Langdon, North Dakota, to Roy and Patricia (Barker) Kaercher. He attended Pacelli Catholic Schools in Austin. Throughout his life Corey held various jobs in sales and construction. He excelled at sales and his skills allowed him to win trips to the Super Bowl and Spain. While he loved building and construction, his favorite job was driving preschoolers on the SMART bus in Austin. In his younger years Corey enjoyed riding motorcycles. He liked to travel and be outdoors – he loved seeing creation and God’s work, especially in the mountains of Colorado. Corey was a big fan of the Minnesota Twins and Vikings and adored his pet dogs and cats. Most of all, we will remember Corey for his personality. He loved making people laugh and had an energy that drew people in. Corey did a good job of making everyone feel so important. This led to many new friendships with his fellow residents at the Cedars of Austin. He was an advocate for the friends he made there and a light for everyone. He will be greatly missed.

In his final few years, Corey found comfort in strengthening relationships with his family and we know he is at peace because of this.

Corey is survived by his children, Jill (Scott) Medgaarden of Austin, Aaron (Laurel) Kaercher of Ely, Lia (Scott) Guttormson of Austin, and Heidi (John) Hotek of Willmar; grandchildren, Kelsey (Jacob) Bentley, Adi (Zach) Chandler, Dylan, Elijah, Noah, Jeremiah, and McCartney Kaercher, Chloe and Cooper Guttormson, Jayden Cantu, and Logan, McKenna, and Lewis Hotek; brothers, Ken (Charlene) Kaercher, Don Kaercher, and Kelly (Sue) Kaercher; many nieces and nephews; and beloved dog, Sadie. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Patricia; and sisters, Cathy Buck and Micki Paul.

The funeral service for Corey will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at Worlein-Hoff Funeral Home in Austin. The visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Austin. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes are assisting the family with arrangements.