Coralee Kay Bigley

Coralee Bigley age 72 of Elma, IA, died Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at her home.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at Hugeback – Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in Elma, with Rev. Zachary Bigley officiating. Interment will be held at Calvary Cemetery, Elma.

Friends are invited to greet the family from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at Hugeback – Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in Elma. Visitation continues for one hour before the service at the funeral home in Elma on Wednesday.

Coralee Kay Bigley, known as Cora, was born on May 18, 1954, in New Hampton, Iowa, the daughter of Raymond and Bernice (Hageman) Karnik. 

Cora lived a life marked by devotion, creativity, and deep love for the people around her. She was raised in the Little Turkey area and earned her education from Turkey Valley Schools, graduating from Turkey Valley High School in 1972. Shortly after graduation, she began working for the Sara Lee Corporation in New Hampton, where she built both her work ethic and lasting relationships. It was there that she met Mike Bigley, and the two fell in love. They were married on May 4, 1974, at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Little Turkey, beginning a marriage that would be blessed with six children and a lifetime of shared memories.

Cora spent several years working for Sara Lee before going on to work at Tri-Mark in New Hampton, before retiring to become a full-time granny. Through every stage of her working life, she was known for her dependability, her strong sense of responsibility, and the quiet pride she took in doing her work well. 

Above all else, Cora’s life centered around her family. She was a loving wife, mother, granny, and great-granny, and she embraced each of those roles with joy and purpose. Her family was the center of her life, and she made sure they knew it every day. She was selfless in the way she cared for others, always putting the needs of her loved ones before her own. 

Cora was a wonderful cook and learned the art of feeding a large family. She took pride in preparing meals that brought everyone together and made ordinary days feel special. She also loved to garden and care for the animals and hobby farm where she lived. These were not just chores to her, but labors of love that reflected her nurturing spirit and her appreciation for the simple blessings of life. 

Cora was creative in the truest sense of the word, and she used that gift to bring delight to her family and to make childhood unforgettable for those she loved. Every Halloween, the Bigley children always had the coolest costumes, thanks to her imagination and talent.

Cora had a way of making life fun. She was always up for a good time and could make anything enjoyable simply by being part of it. Her laughter, energy, and loving presence made her a joy to be around. She had a generous heart and a spirit that lifted others, and she will be remembered for the many ways she made life brighter for her family and friends. Her Christian faith was an important part of her life and guided how she lived, loved, and cared for others.

Cora is survived by her husband, Mike Bigley of Elma, IA; children, Kelly (Jeff Myron) Bauer of Elma, IA, Pete Bigley of Riceville, IA, Tracy (Michael) Adams of Riceville, IA, Katelyn (Travis) Hemesath of Greeley, IA, Patrick (Sabree) Bigley of Riceville, IA; seven grandchildren, Jordan Bauer, Kyler Bauer (Michaela Juelsgaard), Allie Bigley, Jack Adams, AvaLee Adams, Lilah Bigley, Leland Bigley and one on the way; two great-grandchildren, Hendrix Conger, and Boyd Bauer; one sister, Vick Karnik of Inver Grove Heights, MN; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; grandparents; son, Paul Bigley; granddaughter, Letty Bigley; in-laws, Bud & Bette Bigley; and one sister, Karla Karnik. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to the family, who will select an organization at a later date for a donation in her memory.