Corbin Peter Brey

On December 6th , after kicking Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy  in the butt and breaking free of his earthly chains, Corbin RAN into the arms of his Heavenly Father.  His fighting spirit and stubbornness kept him with us for 31 years.

Greeting him in heaven are his Great Grandparents Wayne & Pearl Newton, Great Aunt Linda Arduser, Uncle Tom Janke (they are cracking each other up at this moment) and his Grandfather Robert Brey, whom Corbin promised to watch The Sting with non-stop.

Left inspired but broken-hearted are those that loved him the most.  His parents, John and Barb (Hulke) Brey, siblings Parker Brey and Madison Brey (Dustin Lindgren) and Corbin’s favorite nephew, Dallas Brey, who referred to Corbin as “Pinecone”;  Grandparents Carol Brey and David and Nancy Hulke; Aunts and Uncles Pete & Debbie Brey, Tom & Pam Brey, Sue Janke, Scott & Becky Marcoux and Mike and Karolyn Hulke; Cousins Ben Brey, Kristin Brey & Michael Sampson, Laurin & Jeff Dalton (Kate and Ellie), Josh & Maira Brey (Edmond and Isaac), Bryan & Vanessa Janke, Zach & Amy Janke, Brandon Hulke, Garrett & Leah Hulke (Calvin and  Simon), and Chandler Hulke and lifetime family friends The Gahnz’s and BFF Becca Wollenzien.

Corbin was born in Milwaukee, WI on February 23, 1991.  He was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in June of 1995.  It wasn’t long after, we realized Corbin may have been OUR son, but God gave him to us to share with the world.  The number of people he met and became friends with is endless.  His peers, adults, and children -it didn’t matter the age-he connected with so many people that we couldn’t possibly begin to list you all.  We thank you for your kindness and friendship to Corbin, and know that your hearts are hurting, as well.

Corbin described himself as sarcastic, an audiophile, coffee addict, Bloody Mary connoisseur, birdwatcher, a plant dad, concert goer, vinyl collector, nature lover, hiker, appreciator of art, list maker and a voracious reader. His siblings would add that he loved attention, was a pain in the butt, was awful at math, had an inappropriate sense of humor and the most amazing and infectious smile.

He had many accomplishments in his life.  He graduated from Pewaukee High School in 2009, and earned an art scholarship from Quad Graphics. He also received the highest score possible on his AP Art portfolio, had his art work displayed at various venues, and had a piece of art auctioned off at the MDA Black and Blue Ball.  At that time, it was the largest bid for a piece of art at that event. He served as the MDA local Goodwill ambassador in 2002.  In 2003, he served as the state of Wisconsin Goodwill ambassador, and had the privilege of being the face of the MDA throughout Harley-Davidson’s 100th anniversary.  He was asked, in 2004, to appear on the national MDA Telethon with Jerry Lewis.  He was the official overseer for Corbin’s annual Golf Par-Tee raising over $300,000 for MDA. Most importantly, he was unapologetically who he was!

 He was well versed and knowledgeable about many subjects-music and movies were at the top of the list.  He listened to ALL music but not country except for Johnny Cash and June Carter.  He loved dogs especially huskies and newfies but his favorite was his Schnoodle, Gracie Lou Freebush. The color black was well represented in his closet. He loved crossword puzzles, playing cards and Scrabble and just sitting in the backyard on a sunny day.

There wasn’t much Corbin didn’t love about his life, and had few regrets (sans regrets).  But there were a couple of exceptions… He hated being told by strangers that he was an inspiration-“How do they know I’m not an A- Hole?”  He loved learning, and not being able to finish college due to medical issues was a disappointment to him.  He always desired to have his own apartment, if only to be able to decorate it!  When it came to decorations of any kind, there was never enough, even telling his dad the other day “You’re going to put up more Christmas lights outside aren’t you?”  He told us recently, “I have no issues with my disability.  If I could change anything, I just wish that I was able to eat.”  Corbin always picked the restaurant when we went out.  He would have liked to travel more.  Iceland was his dream trip.  We heard that Iceland is beautiful-we are confident that heaven looks a lot like Iceland.

His life was fueled by a fierce determination to take it all in.  He needed a lot of help medically for his body to keep up with his spirit.  Our gratitude for his medical team and at home nurses is hard to express in words.  Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin will always be a special place to us.  Thank you to the staff in the ED, 4W and 5W, Dr. D’Andrea and her team, Dr. Cohen and his team, and his former doctor Dr. Humphrey, for amazing care, treating him with respect, and being our friends.  To Corbin’s private duty nurses past and present…the care you provided was beyond exceptional!  You gave him independence, friendship and love.  He loved you all like crazy, even when he was disagreeing with you.  Losing Corbin is compounded by the fact that we are also losing doing life with you, day in and day out.  We love you all!!

Corbin loved parties, family gatherings, and neighborhood get togethers -anything that included people.  He loved music, drinks and good food.  Please join us as we celebrate his life. Celebration of Life Services will take place at 3 pm, Monday, December 12, 2022 at Shepherd of the Hills Church,  N36W24130 Pewaukee Rd Hwy 164, Pewaukee, WI 53072 with Pastor Aaron Meyer officiating.  Memorial visitation will take place that day at the church from 12 pm (noon) until the time of service at 3pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family are preferred.  An art scholarship in Corbin's memory will be established.  

Corbin, there is no more ”Improvise & Overcome”.  You are free!  Dancing for Jesus!  We will see you soon sweet boy.  Love you forever and always-Mom & Dad

Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com.

Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Eau Claire and Harder Funeral Home in Brookfield, WI are assisting the family with the arrangements.  

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.