King Cutkomp, 75, passed to the next life on March 4, 2016 after a long and courageous battle with COPD. King astonished his doctors by living for many years longer than expected because he truly loved life and those around him. He did not want to leave despite battling for every breath for many years. When he knew it was time, he passed away after saying his goodbyes to his family and friends. King maintained his positive outlook and great sense of humor all the way to the end. He will be missed.

Funeral services will be held Friday at 11:00am at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Rock Island. Visitation will be Thursday from 4:00-7:00pm at the funeral home. Burial will be in Rock Island Memorial Park Cemetery.

King was born on December 17, 1940 to Margaret (Brandle) and King Cutkomp Sr. in Rock Island, Illinois where King lived his entire 75 years. King may be remembered most for his empathy and praise for others as well as his love of family, country and God.  He always made other people feel good about themselves. He was a sensitive man but could be tough when needed. King learned traditional values as a child from the influences of his parents and grandparents. His father was a World War II veteran that was a strict disciplinarian and worked King hard with chores that left little time for play. His grandmother was a traveling evangelist that taught King Christian values.

King was married to 2 wonderful women during his life. He married Melody Schuldt shortly after graduating from Rock Island High School. The two started their young adult life together in 1958 with literally $10 between them. They had 1 son, Michael King Cutkomp (1963). They divorced 10 years later and remained friends later in life. Melody helped care for King in his final years. King married Cindy Black in 1970. They were married for 25 years and had a wonderful family life with 2 sons Matthew Dean Cutkomp (1974), Christopher John Cutkomp (1979) and a daughter Jennifer Elizabeth who passed away as a baby.

King was a very successful self-employed businessman because he was honest, hard working and loved talking to people. As a 17 year old boy he became owner and operator of King Produce Company shortly after graduating from high school when his father moved to Salt Lake City to open a new business. The business was his lifelong passion where he worked hard, supported his family and saved money for his retirement years. The phrase that may best describe his success in business is "where there is a will there is a way". He overcame many obstacles in a very competitive business through his work ethic, self-reliance and never making excuses. For 30 years he worked very long hours and rarely took a day off or a vacation but instead made the tremendous mental, physical and family sacrifices that many self-employed people make to survive. During those years he also plowed snow every winter and cut grass in the evenings to supplement his income. King's sons continue to own and operate the family business that is now named King Food Service, Inc.

King retired from business in 1989 and lived a long and happy 26 year retirement. He was able to relax and enjoy life that he was never able to do as a child or as a working adult. His retirement hobbies included spending time with his sons, grandchildren, friends, writing a book and becoming an artist. He enjoyed traveling, seeing the mountains, playing his harmonica, watching Fox News and photography where he had a deep appreciation for nature. King's art, photographs and some of his legacy can be seen at his website www.artbyking.com. Those that want to know more about King are encouraged to visit his website. Another notable achievement is that King testified in front of Congress and worked to change federal laws to prevent unconstitutional government seizure of personal property.

King was blessed to spend his final years with his best friend Gini Mc Call. Gini and King spent many days and evenings together visiting, watching movies, and traveling to see local attractions. Gini's kindness and sacrifices helping King in his final years and months made the end of King's life special and pro-longed his life and happiness. She will always be a member of the family.

King was able to strike up a conversation with anyone and make lots of friends. Part of his likeability was his sense of humor, including his ability to make fun of himself. When others would question whether they heard his unusual first name correctly he would joke "yes, as in King Kong". He would frequently joke about his short 5' 5" stature by calling himself "the German pigmy".

King is survived by Gini, his 3 sons, 2 daughter in laws (Carol, Jennifer), 3 grandchildren (Jeffrey, Daniel and Kaitlyn), 2 great-grandchildren (Callie, Aria) and many many friends too lengthy to list here. Memorials may be made to East Moline Christian School. The family wishes to thank Hospice Compassus and Dr. Zabner for the wonderful and loving care they provided. Online condolences may be left for the family at wheelanpressly.com.