Robert Corley

Robert T. "Bob" Corley, age 80, of Darlington, WI, passed away Monday, October 28, 2024, at Memorial Hospital of Lafayette County in Darlington. He was born October 30, 1943, in Darlington the son of Elmer and Betty (Negus) Corley. Bob grew up on the family farm in rural Shullsburg, WI and graduated from Shullsburg High School. He later went on to school at MATC in Madison, WI for a degree in electronics. He was united in marriage to Dorine Matley on August 20, 1966 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Darlington. He lived in Rockford, IL where he worked for Barber Colman.He also ran a TV repair shop in Shullsburg and later in Darlington until going to work at GT&E phone company, later for CenturyTel and Verizon. Wherever Bob was, he always made it a point to return home when he could to help his dad on the family farm until his dad's passing. Bob is survived by his wife Dorine at home; his sons: Ron Corley and Steve (Brandy) Corley both of Darlington, Tim Corley of Shullsburg, and Richard Corley of Darlington; his grandchildren that he absolutely adored: Mariah (Joe) Gill, Anakin Corley, and Archer Corley; one great-grandchild on the way; three brother: Tom (Cindy) Corley, Jim Corley, and Joe (Carmen) Corley; three sisters: Joan (Jerry) Busch, Mary (Jack) Mergan, and Carol (Rich) Farrey; a brother-in-law: Jim (Linda) Matley; three sisters-in-law: Judy Matley, Ann Matley, and Patty Corley; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother: John Corley; three nephews: Todd Corley, Michael Corley, and Rodney Corley; his parents-in-law: Ron and Betty Matley; and two brothers-in-law: Paul Matley and David Matley. Bob was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church and was an honorary member of the Shullsburg Knights of Columbus, was a member Pecatonica Valley Antique Club for over 40 years and also spent several years in the National Guard. His adventurous spirit soared beyond the ground as he earned his pilot's license, and the skies became his second home. Bob's beloved Cessna 150 was more than just an aircraft; it was a vessel for creating unforgettable memories with his sons and his dear friends Dick, Bill, and Jim. The countless hours spent in the air were filled with laughter, stories, and memories they will all cherish forever. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, November 4, 2024, at 12:30 P.M. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church (104 E. Harriet St. Darlington). Burial will be in Union Grove Cemetery in Darlington. A visitation will be held Monday, November 4, 2024, from 9:30 A.M. until 12:15 P.M. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. The Erickson Funeral Home in Darlington is serving the family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com. A memorial fund has been established in Bob's name.