Richard B. "Dick" Corey

Richard B. (Dick) Corey passed away on February 24, 2025 at the remarkable age of 97.

Dick was born on December 25, 1927, in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, to Silas and Ruth Corey and was the youngest of five children. He is survived by his nieces and nephews, Donald Kieffer, William Kieffer, Thomas Kieffer, Robert Corey, Daniel Corey, Patsy Gregory and Suzanne Kundinger, and many great-nieces and great-nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Silas and Ruth, his siblings, Rachel, Ralph, Dean, and John, and his nephews James Kieffer and Steven Corey.

Dick received his Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1953 and was a professor in ­­­­­­­­­­­­­the Department of Soil Science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison for many years. Internationally, Dick consulted on various agricultural projects in Mexico, Brazil, Nigeria, Costa Roca, Nicaragua, and Indonesia. He contributed to many scientific articles and studies relating to soil science.

Dick was a member of the Soil Science Society of America; the American Society of Agronomy; the International Society of Soil Science; the Soil Conservation Society of America; the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts and Letters; and the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Dick was a life-long Presbyterian and joined Dale Heights Presbyterian Church in Madison, Wisconsin on December 24, 1978 where he was an active member. He served as an Elder, a member of the Property and Finance Committee, and choir member. Dick also served on several committees in John Knox Presbytery.

Dick’s life was a testament to the pursuit of knowledge, commitment to science and education, dedication to improving the lives of others, and a deep devotion to his faith and his church.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial and interment of ashes will be held at Dale Heights Presbyterian Church, 5501 University Ave., in Madison, on Saturday, April 26 with visitation at 10 a.m. and service at 11 a.m. with luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Dale Heights Presbyterian Church or WayForward Resources.

Dick’s memory will continue to live on in the hearts and minds of all those whom he touched.

Please share your memories of Richard here on his Tribute Wall.

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