Corey Blachford
October 25, 1969 ~ January 27, 2025
Corey Blachford, 55, of Miller, passed away Monday, January 27, 2025, at the Good Samaritan Society in Miller. A too-early end to a beautiful life.
A Celebration of Life will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, August 2, 2025, at the First Presbyterian Church in Miller with Pastor Robert Brooks officiating. A luncheon will follow the service at the church in Miller. At 7:00 p.m., please join family and friends for an evening of music, ice cream, and memories at the Miller Community Center.
Corey was born on October 25, 1969, in Miller, to Robert and Madonna (McCarl) Blachford. He lived in Miller almost all his life. Through the years, he worked at SuperValu, Duckwall, Alco, and Pump ’N Pak. He was the king of customer service, eager to help and always with a smile.
When he wasn’t working, he loved spending time with family and friends: camping, hunting, fishing, taking care of his yard, attending sporting events, and especially going to country music concerts. Tanya Tucker was his hands-down favorite; he traveled as far as Atlanta, Georgia, to hear her sing.
Corey was a Freemason, a Shriner, and a tireless advocate for people with disabilities. In Miller, he greeted everyone he met as a friend, because they were. Every bit of love that he gave to his community, his community gave back to him, especially when he needed it most.
He is survived by his sister, Lori Blachford and sister-in-law, Karen Utke of Des Moines, Iowa; nephews, Kyle Utke of Osaka, Japan, and Ryan Utke of New York City; a multitude of family and friends, too numerous to list, but you know who you are; and his special guardian angels: Dave Blachford, Nancy Froning, Tania Ruhnke, Jenise Krick, the Good Samaritan Society staff, the team at Blachford House and the Center for Independence, and the members of the First Presbyterian Church in Miller.
Corey was preceded in death by his parents, whom he adored.
Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Corey's arrangements.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
My deepest sympathies to the families Corey will be missed by many
My sincere sympathy to the families of Corey Blachford.
Rest in peace dear Corey. You were a dear part of our family and will be greatly missed. Love you .
So very sorry to hear of Corey’s passing. He will be missed.
You’ll always be my #1 cuz, Corey. Holding close the many memories of our great life. Take care of our family members up there, like I know you will do. 💗
I will miss him. He was a good friend to me. Know him through partners
Missing you, Corey. Such a good man. Thank you for the great memories.
Our most heartfelt condolences to all of the Blachford family. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless!!
Your kind and caring smile will be missed all over town.
Corey was such a fun and kind hearted person. I’ll never forget his love for his parents. His hard work at Alco. And his love for his football team.
So sad to see you go. I loved your smile and kindness. I’ll always remember when we saw the Elvis impersonators in Deadwood. Great memories. Also all the times you and your mom joined us on Thanksgiving in Pierre. Rest well, dear one.
Such a fine person, his laughter and gentle pranks will be so missed. I’ve known Corey for years and years. I’ll always remember the one time I met Corey, when my Aunt Marsha died. He was just the way I pictured him, bubbling with laughter and making sure we had pictures of us together. If I had a way to have one more day with him I would do it in a heartbeat. Corey, go with god. Blachford family you did good with Corey.
Our sympathy to Corey's family and many friends,
Corey was such a kind and caring person. He loved life.
"What a day that will be when my Jesus I shall see…..what a day, glorious day that will be."
Sorry for your loss he was heck of guy.
Dr. Dick and Kathy Splichal
What a special guy, who is missed a lot. My dad really enjoyed him at the nursing home. I was a summer babysitter for Lori and him just before college. My sympathy goes out to all of you.
Lori and Family–I am so sorry to hear of Corey's passing. I remember him as a little boy who always had a smile on his face! I saw Corey at the home last winter. While he didn't remember me, he hadn't changed much in my eyes. What a beautiful soul. I am so sorry for your loss.