Cory Gene Osieczonek
COPPER HARBOR — Cory Gene Osieczonek, age 54, passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack on February 8, 2026, in Copper Harbor, Michigan. Born October 21, 1971, to Darlene and Wayne Osieczonek, he grew up in Phillips, Wisconsin, on a small 25-acre hobby farm with many animal friends. His affection for nature was recognized by his ability to make friends with numerous species of animals such as a skunk who got too friendly and decided to make its home under the front porch, then moved in with the family the next spring. A crow came when he was called and followed Cory everywhere. He loved to care for animals in distress. He went fishing and hunting, kite flying, and he did all the stuff a kid would do although not always with his parent’s approval.
After spending his early years in Phillips among his loving kin, he attended culinary school and became a chef. His restaurant and cooking skills and adventuresome spirit took him on a new trail to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan where he spent the rest of his life cultivating lifelong friendships and a family community. In his years working in the area, he worked on Isle Royale National Park as well as The Pines, the Harbor Haus and The Mariner North in Copper Harbor. While working around Copper Harbor, he also spent several winters grooming the Cross-Country Ski Trails. All these experiences allowed him to hold court with friends, workers and visitors in the little tourist town.
Cory is survived by his siblings: Jim Daniels and Pam (Daniels) Pisca, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, and sister Jackie (Daniels) Middendorp). He may have not been considered physically a big man, but in his heart, he was a mountain of a man. Cory lived life on his own terms and was a proud Yooper.