Craig A. “Corky” Kress was born on November 17, 1942 in Waterloo, Iowa. He attended Waterloo West High School and graduated from the University of Iowa, where he majored in Psychology and minored in music. Corky played the saxophone in the Iowa marching band and was also a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.

After graduation, Corky was hired by Deere and Company in Waterloo and served as the factory’s Industrial Relationship manager. He held several positions at John Deere throughout his lifetime. With 37 years of service in the IR department, Corky played a major role in contract negotiations and had many friends in the Deere family.

Corky met and fell in love with his wife, Sheryl while working at Deere and they were married on September 28, 1968. They have two children, Bryan and Steffany. Bryan and his wife Darcie have two daughters, Lauren and Carolyn, and Steffany is married to Chris Cartellone.

Corky was a fun and outgoing man. He was an athlete, a friend, a gifted musician and a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and brother. Corky was very involved in outdoor activities such as fishing and golfing, and is best known for ending parties and wedding receptions by playing “Johnny B. Goode” on the piano.

Corky was an active member of the Quad-City community. He enjoyed his work as Deacon at the First Presbyterian Church in Davenport. He sat on the Board of Directors of Quad City Area Labor Management and co-chaired the organization’s annual golf outing for many years. He also sat on Work is America Board of Directors and mentored many new employees at John Deere.

It is hard to forget a name like Corky Kress and few ever did. He always had a compliment, kind word, a story or a joke to tell. The Kress family remembers Corky for his positive attitude and the love he sprinkled on all who knew him. The Corky Kress Golf Scholarship Fund helps high school golfers with their college costs. Eligible recipients must attend area high schools as well as Waterloo West.