Cory Cates
Posted By Ballard Sunder Funeral Home On July 27, 2015 @ 12:02 pm In 2015,Obituaries | 25 Comments
Cory C. Cates
A resident of Shakopee and formerly of Prior Lake, Cory Charles Cates, was only 50 years young when he passed away peacefully, with his family surrounding his bed at St. Francis Regional Medical Center, Shakopee, MN.
The family will greet guests on Wednesday, July 29 from 4-7 pm at Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation 4565 Pleasant Street SE, Prior Lake, and one hour prior to the mass at church. The Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, July 30 at 11 am at the Church of St. Michael 16311 Duluth Avenue SE, Prior Lake, MN. Father Tom Walker will preside. Cory will be laid to rest with his grandparents at a private family service at Valley Cemetery, Shakopee, MN.
It was a special Valentine’s present for James “Jim” and Patricia “Pat” (Arnold) Cates, with the arrival of their fifth and final son, Cory born on February 14, 1965, in Minneapolis, MN. First attending St. Michael’s Catholic School, he furthered his education at Prior Lake High School, where his love for music flourished. Playing the guitar and lead singer, Cory and a few friends formed a band called “Rage.” Each having their own various levels of talent, they took this outrageous garage band to school functions and then later to the local bars. Each gig was something special and fond memories were always created. Cory also took an interest in playing high school football and was well known as an individual who stood up for people. Even if it meant getting into a fight or two protecting others being mistreated. Cory graduated from Prior Lake High School of the Class of 1983.
After high school, Cory found himself traveling to South Dakota, to work as a guidance counselor for the Sky Ranch for Boys. A career he thoroughly enjoyed working with delinquent boys. Returning to Minnesota, Cory helped set up the first traumatic brain injury home in Minnesota. Working other various positions, he was passionate about youth, with physical and mental disabilities, in helping them achieve many goals and accomplishments along the way. For 10 years or so, Cory worked as the head grounds manager for Mystic Lake Casino, assuring the landscaping and outside maintenance was top notch. Then started Midwest Radon Services, working alongside his brother Scot.
Cory had a special love for German shepherd dogs. Over the years, he had great companionship from Spooner, Sunka, Chief and Maska. Cory relished watching western movies, especially the ones featuring John Wayne. Through the years, he still enjoyed playing music and getting together with the band. Cory’s greatest passion was his family, with his two daughters, Kirsten and MaCayla being front and center. They meant the world to him. Sunday afternoons where truly special for him with his daughters.
Through his eyes, Cory viewed his life as one being full of luck and amazement. He was passionate to make people happy…laughing and telling stories. Cory had no fears, living each day to the fullest.
Left to honor Cory’s life and mourn his death are his daughters, Kirsten Jacobson, MaCayla Cates; parents, Jim and Pat Cates; brothers, Mark (Cathy) Cates, Scot Cates, David (Tonda) Cates, Lance (Marcy) Cates; numerous nieces and nephews; other loving relatives and devoted friends
Cory was welcomed in heaven by his grandparents.
Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home and Cremation, Prior Lake Chapel, proudly served and cared for the Cates family. www.ballardsunderfuneral.com
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Shocked and saddened by the news of Cory’s passing. He always seemed invincible. My thoughts and prayers are with the Cates family.
Cates Family,
you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Meg & Cliff (Redetzke) DeFor
Cory was a true friend for many years! I will miss him always. My heart goes out to the Cates family, I’m sorry for your loss…
Cates’
Sorry to hear about Cory. Being neighbors to him many years ago, what I remember most about Cory, is how he would play with his band in the garage. I recently ran into him, and he told me about the amazing deals he would find at the thrift store. 🙂
With Sympathy-
Cates’ family,
Words are difficult in the light of your enormous loss of Cory. We hold you close to us in our thoughts and prayers. XXOO
Cory was a great classmate and will be missed by many. Thoughts and prayers for the Cates’ family
My loving thoughts and prayers go out to the Cates family. I’m going to miss his smiling face and we shared alot of laughs together. I lost a very dear friend. My heart is broken and Cory will alwyas have a special place in my heart for him.. FOREVER
Pat, Jim, and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
My deepest sympathies to the Cates family.
Pat and Jim and Family,
We are so sorry for this great loss you have suffered. We pray you all will feel the Lord’s arms around you and know some peace. All our love to you all.
Cory was one of my best friends growing up, but it seems like he was everybody’s best friend…Great people are like that.
I work with Cory for many years, when anyone ever needed something, he was there.
Thank you to the Cates family for sharing him with us., you are in our prayers.
We love you Cory, we will miss you.
We’re so sad to hear of Cory’s passing, our thoughts & prayers are with you all.
Jim, Pat and Family,
We are very shocked and saddened to hear about your loss. Cory was such a wonderful person and will be forever missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless
With Love,
The Arnold Family (Pete, Thu, Re-Pete, Alisha, Georgia, Indiana, Nevada, Jo, Tony, Mitchael and Delayney)
Cory was a great man, a joy to be around. He brought a smile to everyone around. I’ll miss his great singing voice and his incredible spirit. My thoughts and prayers to the family. All my lovin, Cory.
He is home he is free. I wish to express my deepest sympathy to the entire family of
Cory Cates. He was an all around great guy. I got to know him when we worked for us
at the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community. I know he will be missed by his
entire family and all those who knew him . Cory now belongs to the ages, but we liked it better when he belonged to us. He now lives on only in our Memory. He is home he is free. Seeing Cory pass away so suddenly the way he did, doesn’t make it any easier for us to let him go, but let him go we must. Things Cory left undone must stay that way. I used to see Cory every once in a while and enjoyed visiting with him through
the years. I will miss him. My thoughts and prayers are with his entire family at this sorrowful time. May the Great Spirit give you comfort at this difficult time.
Very Sincerely,
GLYNN A. CROOKS
Member of the SMSC
Our hearts were deeply deeply saddened to hear about Cory – I, Dorothy, remember him from “way back”. You all have our caring and love and sympathy, dear friends.
Hugs, Warren and Dorothy
Jim and Pat and family, our hearts ache as we think how difficult the loss of Cory is for all of you.
With love and our deepest sympathies,
Steve and Jackie Cates
Cory was one of a kind. We grew up blocks from each other and attended school together. In Prior Lake back then there was time to spend on the lake, sport games where played on his grand fathers field, then Simpkins Yard and then eventually Clarie Field, (where St Michael church is now). There was an group of kids with in a 5 or 6 block area whom all played together. We were all about within 5 or so years of each other so basketball was played with a tennis racket to even things out. It was a simpler time then, This a an acknowledgment that we are all a little older and hopefully wiser. Cory Rest in peace.
So very sorry for your loss. We will always remember Corey as fun loving. The boys had a great time together.
My thoughts and prayers to all of Cory’s family and friends.
Cory was a unique and loving individual. He cared deeply about those around him and will be missed.
Life is better for having known him, and in his passing we are reminded to reach out to our friends and loved ones and appreciate our time together on this earth.
God Bless
Jim and Pat and family,
Please accept our deepest condolences on the loss of your son. No one can truly understand a loss this deep unless they’ve experienced the same. Take comfort in knowing so many care about you and are here for you. You are in our hearts and prayers. He is at peace and will always be with you.
My condolences go out to the Cates family. Corey was a good friend willing to go the extra mile for anyone who needed it. It’s a testament to the person he became.
Dear Cates family, I am so very saddened at this great loss and my heart and my prayers will go out to you all. I truly am so sorry.
Hi Aunt Pat and Uncle Jim and Mark, Cathy, Scot, David and family, Lance and Family
I just found out about Cory’s death. We are so very saddened to learn of Cory’s passing. Cory was the kind of person who could always make every person feel loved and appreciated. Our hearts just ache at this loss and you are in our thoughts and prayers. He was one of the most precious people we have ever met. We are so very sorry.
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Dear Cates family, you are in our thoughts and prayers. May God bless you all during this difficult time .