Cory Duane Pierson

Cory Duane Pierson, 38, of Kalamazoo and formerly Afton, died March 13, 2025 at the Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo, MI.

Cory was born on March 3, 1987, the son of Ralph “Dewey” and Kimmy Pierson II and Marion Wise and grew up in Afton.  He graduated from Inland Lakes High School in Indian River where he played football and ran track, graduating in 2006. In his youth, Cory summered up by Copper Harbor and Calumet where he would run the mines and climbed the mountains.  Cory continued his education and attended Ferris State University in Big Rapids where he studied auto mechanics.  Cory also played Rugby at Ferris as well.

Cory went to work at Parker Hannifin Hydraulic Systems in Kalamazoo and for the last several years, lived with his in-laws in Kalamazoo, Hank and Jennifer Nederhoed and their dog, Maximillian, who he loved dearly and brought him a lot of comfort.  At work, Cory’s station was the first station inside the doors, and everyone was always greeted with a warm smile and hello.  Cory was always a people person. He could walk into a room and was always greeted with smiles.  He was loved for his light sense of humor and his smile.  His smile was contagious and he would drop anything for a friend in need. 

He enjoyed traveling and seeing new places, especially with the “Circle of Friends” who all had the same “Hakuna Matata” tattoo.  Together they went to Cancun, The Bahamas, and many other places.  Cory also loved to hunt and fish and loved playing golf.  Cory also took part in the Cheboygan Demolition Derby and was consistently a prize winner. 

Cory is survived by his parents, Ralph “Dewey” and Kimmy Pierson II of Tower, MI; his birth mother, Marion Gilford of Hesperia; brothers, Erick Anderson of Hesperia, Christopher Pierson of Tower, MI, and Devin (Kristy) Pierson of Wolverine, MI; sister, Kristy (Steve) Palek; nieces, Kimbarlie, Cecilia, Alexia, and Abigail; nephews, Kevin, Ronon, Cameron, and Oliver; grandparents, Phil and Beatrice Kelly of Afton, MI; Aunts; Judy (Bill) Norrick, Pam (Sam) Aeschliman, and Patricia (Mike) Zwicker; uncles, Phil (Anna) Kelly and Brian (Monica) Kelly; and by his mother and father-in-law, Hank and Jennifer Nederhoed.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ralph and Gloria Pierson and by his maternal grandparents, James Miller and Sandra Fisher.

The family will receive friends at the Stone Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Indian River on March 29th from 5-8pm and again on March 30th from 1-3pm at the Cross In The Woods Catholic Church, immediately being followed by a service celebration Cory’s life at 3pm at the Church.  Cory will be laid to rest next to his grandfather at the Silver Lake Cemetery - Nunda Township.

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