Russell, Cory Allen

Cory Allen Russell, 34, of Iowa City, passed away in his sleep on Friday, Jan. 18, 2013. Funeral service will be 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 22, at Lensing Funeral and Cremation, Iowa City. Visitation will be Tuesday from 10 to 11:30 a.m. before the service.

Cory Boy started life with a diagnosis of Cardiomyopathy, but to anyone who knew him, they would tell you it never slowed him down. Cory loved being independent and making his own way in life. He loved bowling and lived for league night. Cory also bowled on his dad's team in Texas when he visited. Cory's zest for life made you smile just watching him.

There was not much about WWE that Cory couldn't tell you about either. He loved to do ceramics; we all have treasured pieces that he made for us over the years. He got a lot of joy making people happy. He was our joy, Cory was kind and loving, and as a final gift of love and kindness, he gave of himself through The Donor Network. Cory's optimism kept us all focused on what was really important.

Cory was born Oct. 19, 1978, in Houston, Texas. He graduated from Clear Lake High School in Clear Lake, Iowa.

Cory is survived by his parents, Lauri and Joseph Chizek of Round Rock, Texas, a sister, Courtney Russell of Cedar Rapids, and her son, Jackson; cousin, JC (Mariette) Dalrymple, who Cory loved as a brother; Sandra Treadway (the Mamms) of Clear Lake; aunts, Pam (Adam) Reynolds, Cathy (Kevin) Foley, Herschel and Glenda Haynie, who Cory loved as an aunt and uncle, Wanda (Dan) McLaughlin, Diane (Dave) Fenton and Ruth Fisher, uncles, Mark Treadway, Jim Dalrymple, Paul (Becky) Chizek, Dennis Chizek and David Chizek, and many cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Robert Treadway, Bob Oliphant, who Cory loved as a grandfather, and grandparents, Walter and Marceline Chizek.

God gave him to us for 34 wonderful years. A thousand words wouldn't do justice to such a special man. Cory was a wonderful son, brother, grandson, uncle, nephew and friend. We miss you Cory and you will live in our hearts forever and always.

Memorial donations may be directed to Goodwill Industries.

Online condolences may be directed to www.lensingfuneral.com

Published Jan. 20, 2013 in The Gazette