Corey Lee Field – Clarkfield, MN

Corey Lee Field, age 64, passed away Wednesday, November 22, 2023 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD after a nearly 30-year battle with liver disease. He was on a Liver Organ Transplant List. He lived his life as if he would someday receive that incredible gift. He was a fighter and never gave up. He was born November 14, 1959 in Alexandria, MN to Clark and Roberta Field. He was baptized at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ashby, MN and was confirmed at the Clarkfield Lutheran Church. Corey graduated from Clarkfield High School. During high school he participated in football, wrestling, baseball and track. Upon graduation, he went on to wrestle in college at Southwest State University in Marshall, MN. This is where he met the love of his life! He was united in marriage to Laura Fischenich April 28, 1984 in Ellsworth, MN. Following his graduation from college, he coached youth and high school wrestling for many years. He had the privilege of coaching his son during these years. Corey always joked with him, “I taught you everything you know but not everything I know!”. He tried to instill a great work ethic and a passion for wrestling. He felt deep pride in his wrestlers’ success and shared their disappointment when they did not meet their personal goals. He worked as a grocer after his college graduation until his recent retirement in June 2022. Corey had a great love for the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and Ranger rides with his grandchildren. Together with his family, he built a cabin on Lake Benton in Southwest Minnesota. The lake house has been their summer gathering place for many years. Just about every boat ride with the kids would include cranking up the volume and singing “Joy To The World” (known as “Jeramiah Was A Bull Frog” with the grandchildren). He and his friends also purchased hunting land up in Northern Minnesota. There is an old trailer house on the property that will forever be known as the shack. He made many trips to the shack over the last 20+ years. It was here that he maintained lifelong friendships and made memories with his friends and family. In October Corey, his children and his grandchildren took his final trip up north. He loved life and was passionate about many things but none more so than his family. His joy and greatest accomplishment in life was raising his family. When recently reminiscing about his life, he said “we raised really good kids”. The kids like to tease each other about who was his favorite. Truth be told, he didn’t have a favorite. He loved them each for who they uniquely are and was proud of their ac-complishments. His grandchildren brought him such joy. He was a man of simple faith. In the recent weeks, he took comfort in knowing so many people were praying for him. He is survived by his wife, Laura; children, Katie (Ke-vin) Kaatz of Clarkfield, MN; Michelle Field of Mankato, MN; Casey Field (Claire Cullen) of Sartell, MN and Morgan (Evan) Knudson of Granite Falls, MN; grandchildren, Kaden, Kaylee, Karter and Kami Kaatz; mother, Roberta Field of Clarkfield; siblings, Connie (Duane) Tongen of Clarkfield, MN; Candace (Todd) Lewis of Andover, MN and Carey Field of Montevideo, MN; siblings-in-law: Mary Kay Fischenich of Sioux Falls, SD; Mary Ellen (Dave) Fischenich-Ashling of Golden Valley, MN; Ann Klaassen of Cedar Rapids, IA; Susan (Tim) Sheldon of Mankato, MN; Paul (Karla) Fischenich of Dodge Center, MN and David (Joni) Fischenich of Windom, MN; his aunts, Priscilla Field of Brooten, MN and Sharon Johnson of Ashby, MN; along with numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Clark Field; grandparents, Robert and Hazel Anderson, William Clark and Rose Charlette Field; uncle, Mike Field; in-laws, Cecil and Mary Clare Fischenich; and brother-in-law, John Fischenich. Corey will be remembered not only for his roles as a loving husband, father and grandfather, but also as a loyal friend and for his witty sense of humor! Blessed be his memory. A funeral service was Tuesday, November 28 at the Clarkfield Lutheran Church. Burial was in Clarkfield City Cemetery. Arrangements were with the J.H. Lynner Funeral Home in Clarkfield www.jh lynner.com.