Korine "Kori" Ramona Thomas

     Korine "Kori" Ramona Thomas, 65, of Sturgeon Bay, was called Home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, August 30, 2023.

     Kori was born August 17, 1958 in Milwaukee, the daughter of Edward John Burnett and Corinne Theresa Fliss. She grew up attending primary school in West Allis and graduated from Franklin High School in Franklin with the class of 1976.

     Kori briefly met the love of her life, John Ewing Thomas, in second grade, when her parents bought his parents' home in West Allis. Kori and John reconnected in high school and were united in marriage on May 13, 1976 in Milwaukee. Soon after getting married, they moved to Rexburg, ID, so John could attend school at Ricks College. In 1978, John took an internship at Evergreen Nursery in Sturgeon Bay, WI, and so began their life in Sturgeon Bay. Together, they managed the Alabama Street Apartments in Sturgeon Bay. In 1981, with three small children, Kari, Kati and Kyle, they started a small ice cream shop in Egg Harbor. Three years later, they built the Cupola Cafe which they owned until 2007. Owning a seasonal business was hard work but equally satisfying because it gave Kori the time to focus on raising their children and have opportunities to travel. Many family vacations were spent in Florida, and as the children grew up, she and John enjoyed vacations with friends to many locations in Mexico. During her free time, Kori also enjoyed playing league darts for Van's Bar, bowling on different leagues at Apple Valley Lanes, roller skating at Starbase 202, and cross county skiing at Potowatomi State Park, all in Sturgeon Bay.

     In 2006, Kori was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. She never let the disease get her down and was always smiling and willing to help when she could. You may remember Kori as the lady going to Dairy Queen in her motorized wheelchair to get her daily treats at 12:45 p.m. More recently, diagnosed with breast cancer, her attitude was one to be admired. No matter how hard the news, the doctors were sharing, Kori always put a positive spin on the diagnosis. She was raised in the Catholic Church and came back to church in recent years, thanks to visits and ministry from her neighbor, Pastor Jerry Marsden (formerly of Calvary Baptist Fellowship in Sturgeon Bay). Kori was re-baptized and enjoyed attending First Baptist Church in Sturgeon Bay with Pastor Cory Dahl and the congregation there. 

     She will be missed by her husband, John; three children, Kari (Brent) Brilla, Kati Bailey, and Kyle (Sarah) Thomas, all of Sturgeon Bay; seven grandchildren, Bausten, Tristan, Jordis, and Everett Brilla, Elijah and Kelton Bailey, and Edie Sternard; mother, Corrine Fliss of Milwaukee; two sisters, Suzette Burnett of Sister Bay and Alaina Burnett of West Allis; many other relatives; and friends. 

     Kori was preceded in death by her father, Edward Burnett.

     Her life will be honored with a memorial service held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 16, 2023 at First Baptist Church, 610 N. 5th Avenue, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 Pastor Jerry Marsden and Pastor Cory Dahl officiating. 

     Visitation for family and friends will be held at the church on Saturday, September 16, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

     Memorials may be given in Kori's name for DOOR CANcer, Inc. (P.O. Box 423, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235; www.doorcancer.com).

     Huehns Funeral Home, Inc. & Door County Crematory LLC in Sturgeon Bay are assisting the Thomas family. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Kori may be shared with her family through her tribute page at www.huehnsfuneralhome.com.

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