DONALD M. “CORKY” QUINN

Born February 23, 1934 in Fort Dodge IA, Corky was the son of the late John and Blanche 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, the American Legion, and a plankowner of the U.S Navy Memorial.

Corky is survived by his devoted wife of 47 years, Arlene, his children: John Quinn and wife Holly, Mary Anne van Rossen and husband Arne, Thomas Quinn, Sara Fadem and husband Brett, stepson Greg Gilley; four grandchildren: Tawny, Jessica; Sophia, David, and one great grandchild Riley Rae. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends.

During his teen years he owned and operated “Corky’s Corner”, a walk-up ice cream and hamburger shop 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 Anne, Thomas and Sara. The couple later divorced.

In retirement, many mornings Corky could be found at Brownie’s or Ja-Mar 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 with Corky serving on the board for over 25 years.

Retirement brought with it the ability for him to indulge his love of being on the go and share some grand adventures with Arlene. For many years they 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. 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.