Cory James Calbaum

Cory James Calbaum, age 49, passed away peacefully in his home in Princeton, WI, on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. He was born on July 16, 1976, in Portage, WI, a beloved son of Vernon and Janice (Pearson) Calbaum. He grew up surrounded by family and faith and graduated in 1994 from Winnebago Lutheran Academy.

Cory was a man of simple pleasures who found joy in life’s everyday moments. He had a deep appreciation for music and cinema, often immersing himself in their artistry. A lover of science fiction and fantasy novels, he enjoyed exploring new worlds through the pages of a book. Cory also had a passion for video games and was known for his skill at playing pool. Above all else, he cherished his family and the time spent with them.

Those Cory leaves behind to cherish his memory are his mother, Janice Calbaum; 2 sisters, Cheryl (Matt) Griffith and Crystal Ponto (Lance); brother, Chad Calbaum; 2 nephews, Dakota (Emily) Calbaum and their children, Madison and Ryan; Dakota (Sydney) Griffith; his nieces, Alexandrea (Justin) Bowey and their children, Riley and Sawyer; Kaitlyn (fiancé, Conner) Ponto and her stepchildren, Franklin and Harper; Alyssa Ponto; Mackenna Ponto; Tessa Spencer; many other relatives and friends. Additionally, Cory will be fondly remembered by close family friends, Dontae Howard and Danielle Hinz. He was preceded in death by his father, Vernon Calbaum; his grandparents, Eldon and Beth Calbaum; Harold and Irma Pearson; brother-in-law, Kevin Ponto.

Cory’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. May his love for family and the simple joys of life bring comfort to all who mourn his passing. A memorial service for Cory Calbaum will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m., at St. John's Lutheran Church, 226 S. Clinton St., in Princeton. Pastor Philip Schupmann will officiate. Please visit our website www.wachholzandsons.com to send a condolence or to share a memory of Cory with his family.

Wachholz and Sons Funeral Home

Sunset Cremation Center in Princeton

Serving the Family, 920-295-6631

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