Cory Schuknecht

A Funeral Service for Cory Schuknecht, age 42, of Sioux Rapids, Iowa, will be held on Monday, October 24, 2022 at 1:30pm at First Lutheran Church in West Okoboji. Burial will be at Lakeview Gardens Cemetery in Okoboji. Visitation will be on Sunday, October 23, 2022 from 4:00-6:00pm at the Turner Jenness Funeral Home in Spirit Lake.

Cory Lane Schuknecht was born February 25, 1980 in Windom, MN to Dexter (Corky) and Joan Schuknecht. After graduating from Westbrook Walnut Grove High School in 1998 he enlisted into the Army and was stationed in Fort Eustis, Virginia. The highlight of his Army career was when he was chosen to attend  the 50th NATO Summit in Washington D.C. around April 1999.  While there, he was chosen to chauffeur the Prime Minister of Denmark.  He was very proud of his service to our country and to be a veteran. After his honorable discharge in 2002 he moved to Haines City, FL where he attended and graduated with honors from Ridge Tech Fire Academy. He attended Polk State College and received certification as a firefighter and an EMT. In 2005, Cory moved to Spirit Lake, IA to be closer to family and obtained his welding degree.

His childhood hobbies included fishing, riding go carts, collecting baseball and basketball cards, wrestling, concerts, and country music.

Cory’s smile and charm made it easy for him to make new friends . His love for others could be felt by everyone around him. I don’t think Cory realized how many lives he touched while on this Earth. Cory will be remembered for his love of people and animals. He loved deeply. He loved his family, friends, strangers, co workers, and many children of his close friends. He also loved all the strangers and acquaintances he met while traveling for work. Cory had the biggest heart and would give the shirt of his back to anyone.  I don’t think Cory realized how many people he touched and how many people are mourning his loss.

He found great joy in feeding the birds and deer. His numerous bird feeders outside his home were always full. He always talked about the animals that hung around his house to his friends and family that visited. He also loved watching football and cheering on the Florida Gators. He loved displaying his Florida Gator memorabilia around his home.

His most recent job was working for Ranco Fertiservice out of Sioux Rapids, IA with a  traveling road crew. That job allowed him to travel to job sites all around the United States. He always cherished being sent to Florida to work, he had a special place in his heart for Florida. He cherished the friendships he built with his co workers. When he wasn’t working on the road you could find him relaxing at his home in Sioux Rapids, IA.

He recently traveled to Las Vegas, NV for the first time this summer and created so many memories. He talked about that vacation and all the amazing food he ate for days.

Cory passed away unexpectedly on October 18, 2022 at his home in Sioux Rapids, IA

He was welcomed into heaven by his beloved father Corky. Left to cherish his memory are his mother Joan Schuknecht, Lakeland, FL, sister Joy (Jay) Christians, Milford, IA, his  brother Scott (Shirley) Elzenga, Blue Earth, MN, his brother Steve (Nicole) Elzenga, Redwood Falls, MN  and his  brother Rick (Lynn) Elzenga, Westbrook, MN; nieces and nephews Sierra and Collin Christians, Jordon and Justin Elzenga, Taylor and Tyson Elzenga, John and Christina Elzenga, and countless close friends.

Blessed be the memory of Cory.