Albert Sam Cork, 72, died Friday, January 27, 2006 at his home in Thief River Falls, MN.

Albert Ernest Cork was born July 19, 1933 in Bray Township, Pennington County, MN, son of Ernest and Lillian (Dobias) Cork. He was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic Church in Euclid, MN. He attended school near Angus and moved with his family to Thief River Falls. There he attended St. Bernards and Lincoln High graduating in 1951. He then enlisted in the United States Navy and was based with the Fleet all Weather Training Unit at the Naval Air Station in Key West, FL. He was honorably discharged June 18, 1954.

On June 25, 1955, Sam was united in marriage to Marion Rita Meitzel in St. Bernards Catholic Church with Father Keaugh Patnode officiating. They made their home in Thief River Falls.

Occupations during his lifetime include pin-setting at the Club and Pal Mor Bowling Alleys, blockman at Falls Concrete, usher at Falls Theatre, and rodman for the Dept. of Agricultural Soil Conservation. Albert retired in 1986 after 31 years of service as brakeman for the Soo Line Railroad. He was a member of the American Legion, Eagles and UTU Retirees, and the Soo Select Credit Union.

Sam enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and motorcycle riding. After his retirement, he enjoyed spending time in Las Vegas as a snowbird.

Sam is survived by 2 sons, David, Thief River Falls, MN and Dan (Mary), Eagan, MN; 2 daughters, Donna Vigness, La Crosse, WI and Diane (David) Zitnak, Maple Grove, MN; 5 grand daughters, Megan (Brandon) Fritsch, Kimberly Vigness, Lauren and Jamie Cork and Kali Zitnak; a grandson, Benjamin Zitnak; 2 sisters, Lillian (Robert) Glonek, Superior, WI and Della (Milton) Burstad, Thief River Falls, MN and a special friend, Dory VeVea, Thief River Falls, MN.

Preceded in death by wife, Marion on March 26, 2004; parents, Ernest and Lillian; and sister, Alice Hasby.

Family requests memorials be directed to Lincoln High School Alumni Fund and Redeemer Lutheran Church Fund.