Corey B. Abels

Corey Brian Abels, age,48, passed away at his home in Lincoln, NE on September 25, 2024. A visitation with family will be held on October 4th, from 4:00-6:00 pm at the Grace Lutheran Church in Pleasanton. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 5th, at 10:30 at Grace Lutheran Church with a lunch to follow. The Reverand Dean Hanson will officiate. Burial will be at a later time. Corey was born on June 9, 1976, in Grand Island, Nebraska to Jane (Warta) and Larry Abels. With an older brother, Jason, and younger sister, Angie, Corey attended school and enjoyed the usual family and childhood activities. In 1986, Corey’s family expanded to include step-father Randy Kreun and two additional brothers, Wade and Paul. Initially, the new family moved to Rapid City, South Dakota. Randy and the boys enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping in the hills of South Dakota. Later the family settled on a farm in Pleasanton, Nebraska. While growing up, some of Corey’s happiest memories were spending time on the farm with his Grandma and Grandpa Warta in Sumner. From riding the horse “ Babe,” to driving through the pastures, or fishing on the river, there was always an adventure to be had, and Corey was more than up to it. Corey attended high school in Pleasanton, where one of his highlights was being a part of the football team. He graduated from Pleasanton High school in 1994 and continued his education by receiving an Associate degree from Southeast Community College and a Bachelor's degree from Bellevue University at Phoenix. Corey possessed valuable attributes that influenced his career choice. His friendly nature was often accompanied by a grin, a chuckle and a quick-witted comment. His time on the farm had produced a respect for these hard-working individuals as well as a desire to work in an environment of open fields and awesome sunrises. Thus, agricultural sales suited him well. Not afraid to try new things, Corey also obtained his real estate license and worked in the Grand Island area for a while. Corey was a likable guy, who made friends easily and adapted to new situations. Paying attention to detail was important to Corey; he liked neatness, paid attention to his dress, and liked his living environment and vehicles tidy. In 2001, Corey married Peg Biddlecomb in Kearney, Nebraska. To this union, a much adored son was born. Never was there a prouder moment for Corey than when he became Alex’s dad. Despite his out-of-town work schedule, Corey did his best to attend Alex’s football games, golf meets and other activities, celebrating Alex’s successes and providing encouragement. Corey planned father-son trips that included Sea World, Nebraska football games, and fishing. While the marriage ended, Corey’s commitment to Alex continued with his hopes and dreams for his son reaching far into the stars. Sports were something that Corey always enjoyed, both as a participant and a fan. He was a big supporter of the Nebraska Cornhuskers and the Kansas City Chiefs, something he shared with Aunt Pat and Uncle Earle. Additionally, Corey enjoyed golf, and found relaxation on the course with friends and family, especially Alex. Fishing was another of his activities, often accompanied by Alex or his friend Nick. Corey, or “Cor,’’ (as his mom always called him) was deeply devoted to his family. When near Kearney, he would call his mom to have lunch and just catch up on conversation. In Lincoln, he routinely checked in with his dad and helped him out with errands. He played an active role in the lives of his nieces and nephews, often attending their activities and holiday events. Corey was known as the “pie guy” at extended family gatherings as he often showed up with a Perkins pie to share for dinner and later engaged in a game of football with siblings, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Corey had a great sense of humor, but he was really a gentle soul who avoided conflict and was reluctant to burden others with his own concerns. This kind and caring man will continue to live on in the hearts of his family and friends and will be forever missed. Preceding him in death were his grandparents, Joe and Elva Warta, Arnold and Emma Abels, and Wayne and Vi Kreun; uncle, Earle Abels, cousin, Chris Larsen, and aunt, Sharon Warta. Left to cherish his memory are his son, Alex; his parents, Jane and Randall Kreun of Pleasanton and Larry Abels of Lincoln; siblings, Jason (Michelle) Abels of Ravenna, Angie (Steve) Nelson of Kearney, Paul (Sara) Kreun of Sioux Falls, S.D. and Wade (Holly) Kreun of Rapid City, S.D.; beloved aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, cousins, and other extended family and friends. Memorials are suggested to the Huntington Research Foundation. Condolences may be shared online at www.osrfh.com. Services are entrusted to O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney.

Corey B. Abels

June 9, 1976 - September 25, 2024