"We were neighbors to the Quinn family on North 14th Street. Sara often was at our home playing with David and Shelly. We really enjoyed John, Mary Ann, Tom, and Sara. It was a fun family to be neighbors with. Dee Fowler"
In loving memory of
Donald Quinn
February 23, 1934 - July 18, 2018
Donald M. "Corky" Quinn, 84, a lifelong resident of Fort Dodge, passed away July 18, 2018, at the Fort Dodge Villa Care Center. A funeral mass will be celebrated Friday, August 3, 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. A visitation will be held Thursday evening 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Laufersweiler-Sievers Funeral Home.
Born February 23, 1934 in Fort Dodge IA, Corky was the son of the late John and Blanch Quinn (O'Neill). Corky was predeceased by his sister, Mary Quinn, brother James Quinn, infant brother and sister, and stepson Timothy Gilley. Corky was a longtime member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, VFW Post 1856, and the American Legion.
Corky is survived by his devoted wife of 47 years, Arlene, his children: John Quinn and wife Holly, Mary Ann van Rossen and husband Arne, Thomas Quinn, Sara Fadem and husband Brett, and stepson Greg Gilley; and four grandchildren: Tawny, Jessica; Sophia, David, April and 2great grandchildren Riley Rae and Ellie. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends.
During his teen years he owned and operated "Corky's Corner", a walk up burger joint near the old South Jr. High school. After graduating from Fort Dodge Senior High school in 1952, he enlisted in the United States Navy, proudly serving his country during the Korean War on the USS Fletcher. Corky returned home from the Navy in 1956. After attending junior college, he began a successful career in sales, most notably with the Coca Cola Foods Division, representing Butternut Coffee and Hi-C for over 30 years until his retirement in 1989.
In 1960 Corky married Diane Oberhauser and the couple had four children: John, Mary Ann, Thomas and Sara. The couple later divorced.
In retirement, many mornings Corky could be found at Brownie's or Jamar sipping coffee, sneaking a sweet roll, and talking wrestling and/or the Hawkeyes. As a sophomore in high school he captured 1st place at a regional Catholic wrestling tournament, and later represented the US Navy wrestling team for two years, winning the Hawaiian Open AAU championship. When telling this story he proudly added that he bested a Marine Captain for the win. These exciting achievements early in life cemented his lifelong love for the sport of wrestling.
During the 1970's he was a frequent referee for Fort Dodge's middle and high school wrestling programs. Corky's passion and knowledge for the sport secured him a seat announcing the Iowa Boys' State Wrestling Tournament for KVFD radio several years running. Corky and Arlene (luckily, also a wrestling fan!) were long time I-Club members and attended many college tournaments around the country together.
Corky loved nothing more than being on the go. Along with always being "on the road" in his work life, retirement brought with it the ability for him to share some grand adventures with Arlene. For many years he met up with fellow USS Fletcher veterans at reunions across the country, and internationally visited Australia, Thailand, Italy and Medjugorje in Bosnia/Herzegovina.
Corky was a kind, jovial and generous person who always had a joke or tune for the moment. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. Through all the joys, as well as, trials and tribulations of parenting and life, Corky was steadfast and willing to do whatever was needed to help his family and friends. He is loved, and will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Tributes
"I worked along side Corky for ten years with Coca-Cola Foods and my favorite memories is that he was such a great story teller and could always add humor when it was most needed. Being a sports fans I always enjoyed his loyalty to the Hawkeyes in good times and bad. I enjoyed being around him. Richard Perala, Clarinda, Iowa "
"Arlene, I was fortunate enough to get to know you and Corky during my time with Coca-Cola Foods. I can not think of a more caring couple than you two. As both Mike and Jack have said there are a lot of stories but for me, what I remember most is, there was no one who would work harder, try harder, or cared more than Corky. If you ever needed help he was one person you could count on to support you and do whatever he could for you. He was a great individual and I will miss him. Also echoing Mike comments my prayers now go out to you and your family. Mark Churchill"
"Arlene, So sorry to hear about your loss. I first met Corky in 1978 when I joined The Coca-Cols Foods Division. Corky & I shared the same territory so i was able to see him often. Needless to say, the stories are many and all with good memories! Corky was a good friend and a great Hawkeye. My prayers are with you and your family. Mike Burke"
"ARLENE AND FAMILY AND GREG.I AM SO SORRY FOR THE PASSING OF CORKY. HE WAS SUCH A WONDERFUL GUY I GOT TO KNOW AT VILLA CARE.I WILL ALWAYS REMENBER HIS HIGH FIVE.REST IN PEACE COKY...........PRAYERS JONN J HANSON"
"Arlene sorry for you loss. For 25 years Corky and I worked together for The Coca-Cola Foods Division and had a million laughs every time we would meet for lunch. Our trip to Hawaii was fun. Corky was a good friend of mine. Jack Fisher "
"Sorry for your loss Arlene. Corky was a corker but one of the best friend any person could have. Enjoyed his friendship & love for the Hawkeyes. Bob Casey"
"I?m sorry, Arlene, to hear of your loss. I will pray that you & your family find the strength to get through the mourning period."
"Corky - One of the greatest "backdoor friends" one could ever have....
Love, The Cain Family"
"Arlene thinking of you.....Sharon from JaMars?...HUGS"
" rest in peace wonderful friend and good buddy, Leeward ,Lee Smith"