Richard Cork

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Richard Cork on Sunday, April 9, 2023. Richard was 72 years old at the time of his passing.
Funeral services will take place Saturday, April 15, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Schaller. Burial will be in the Galva Township East Cemetery. Visitation will take place Friday, April 14, 2023 from 5-8:00 p.m. at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Schaller with an Odd Fellows service to follow. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Schaller is in charge of the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established by the family. You may donate by clicking on the following link: https://everloved.com/life-of/richard-cork/donate/
Born on March 5, 1951, in Alta, Iowa, he grew up on a farm outside of Galva, Iowa. He met his wife, Florene, at a basketball game between Galva and Newell, and they were married on September 5, 1970. He was a truck driver and later worked at the elevator in Newell while owning and managing the local Dairy Mart. After moving to Schaller, he worked at that elevator for several years until farming with his father, Wilfred. In addition to grain farming, together they had a small dairy herd, while raising hogs and cattle. Before retiring, Richard transitioned to a management support role with IBP/Tyson Foods.
Richard was active in the community. He served as a board member with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) as a past Noble Grand and as an Elder at the First Presbyterian Church of Schaller. Richard achieved the Eagle Scout status in the Boy Scouts of America and was a scout leader for his sons' troops. During this time he obtained the Order of the Arrow, which is the highest achievement in the Boy Scouts. Richard was a former member of Associated Milk Producers Inc. (AMPI) where he was a director who represented the northwest region of Iowa in their annual corporate meetings.
Richard was a loving and devoted husband, great father, fun grandfather and a good friend. He will be remembered as a hard worker, a light-hearted jokester, and hanging out with his family. Richard loved people and his family can attest that when it came time to leave, he could be found visiting with yet another befriended stranger. Above all, Richard's greatest joy in life was his family. He loved his wife, children, grandchildren, and his great grandchild. He was so very proud of every one of them. He enjoyed playing solitaire, watching Wheel of Fortune, grilling, camping, sitting on the porch swing, making chocolate chip cookies, and spending time with his grandchildren.
Richard is survived by his wife, Florene Cork of Schaller, IA, mother-in-law Wanda Jeppeson of Storm Lake, IA, children Aaron (Michele) Cork of Sioux Falls, SD, Gabriel (Angela) Cork of St. Charles, IA, Caleb (Sara) Cork of Waukee, IA, Nathanael (Ruel) Garcia Cork of Los Angeles, CA, Sarah (Aaron) Jacobson of Schaller, IA, brother Ronald (Vicki) Cork of Papillion, NE, brother-in-law (Donald Ehrp) of Schaller, IA, sister-in-law (Kay Cork) of Ida Grove, IA, sister Deb (Terry) Arter of Wall Lake, IA, sister Donna Sackett of Schaller, IA, brother in-law Ellsworth (Teresa) Jeppeson Jr. of Newell, IA, sister-in-law Sylvia (Lynn) Nelson of Newell, IA, brother in law Elwyn (Char) Jeppeson of Newell, IA, 15 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild and many nieces, nephews and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents Wilfred and Marjorie Cork, father-in-law Ellsworth Jeppeson Sr., son-in-law Danny Garcia Cork, brother John Cork, sister Dianne Ehrp, and brothers-in-law Allen Sackett, John Nelson, Lynn Jeppeson and niece Tasha Jeppeson.
Richard's passing is a great loss to his family, friends, and community. We take comfort in the faith and hope that he is now in paradise through the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Rest in peace, Richard Cork. You will be missed and remembered on this earth, until we are reunited with you in heaven.