David Lynn Cork, 63, of Rochester, formerly of Thief River Falls, passed away on Sunday, July 12, 2020 due to complications from Multiple Sclerosis, at his home in Rochester, surrounded by family and friends.
The service to celebrate David’s life will be at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 15, 2020 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, with Rev. Ale Tulu officiating. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Thief River Falls. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.
David was born August 9, 1956 in Thief River Falls, the son of Albert (Sam) and Marion (Meitzel) Cork. He was baptized at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church and confirmed at Redeemer Lutheran Church. He attended school in Thief River Falls and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1974. He received his Associate of Arts Degree from Northland Community College in Thief River Falls and attended Bemidji State University.
Occupations during David’s lifetime included working at the round house for Soo Line Railroad, Arctic Cat, Northland Foods, Hugo’s and Digi Key.
David enjoyed hunting, fishing, and motorcycle riding, just like his father Sam. He took many cross-country camping trips on his motorcycle. He also enjoyed gambling, both in Las Vegas and locally. His favorite was nickel keno.
David moved into Greenleaf Assisted Living in 2010 and had many good friends. When they no longer could take care of him, he moved to Rochester, to the Hiawatha Group Home in October 2015 to get closer to family where they could visit often. The home enabled David to go fishing, play T-ball, bowling, feeding geese at the park, riding horses and even water skiing.
David is survived by his former wife Terry (Gutterud) Spear and their daughter, Megan (Brandon) Fritsch of Cottage Grove, WI; three grandchildren: Bradyn, Micah and Emma; two sisters and one brother: Donna Vigness (significant other Daniel Kaminski) of La Crosse, WI, Diane (David) Zitnak of Maple Grove and Dan (Anne McCarthy) Cork of Chandler, AZ; four nieces and one nephew: Kim (Scott) Vigness-Bassette, Lauren Cork (Sam) Pryor (great-nephews Henry and Watson), Jamie Cork, Kali Zitnak and Ben Zitnak; also, a very special Aunt, Della Burstad, who would make sure he was well taken care of and kept the family informed of David’s well-being while he lived in Thief River Falls. He is also survived by many cousins.
David was preceded in death by his father, Albert, January 27, 2006; mother, Marion, March 26, 2004; and grandparents: Ernest and Lillian Cork, Adolph and Elise Meitzel.
A special thanks goes out to Greenleaf Assisted Living and April, Zach, Tim, Carol and all the wonderful caregivers at Hiawatha Homes. They made his life comfortable and more enjoyable. Also, thank you to St. Croix Hospice.
Family requests memorials be directed to Hiawatha Homes, 1820 Valkyrie Drive NW, Rochester, MN 55901
Due to COVID 19 – immediate family will be unable to attend.
Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com