Cory Qualey

Cory Andrew Qualey, 45 of Moorhead, MN passed way in the comfort of his home on December 7, 2015, after a courageous fight with cancer. He was surrounded by his family and the wonderful staff from Hospice of the Red River Valley. Cory was born on December 30, 1969, in Fargo, ND to Donald and Donabell Qualey. He attended high school at Fargo South High and transferred to Woodrow Wilson, where he graduated. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications in 1994 from Minnesota State University Moorhead, graduating Summa Cum Laude. Cory was a self-taught musical savant. He played guitar, drums and keyboard, was a soulful songwriter, brilliant producer and sound engineer, and even lent his incredible vocal talents to clients in the advertising world. Cory oozed creativity and had a deep affection for vinyl records, Star Wars, The Beatles, building amps and guitar pedals, and restoring vintage arcade machines. His mind was in a constant state of creation, which is one of the many things that drew people to him. On June 3, 1994, Cory married his one love, Misty. To see how they looked at one another was to understand the definition of devotion. Two become three when they welcomed their son Taylor in 2001. Ian, another baby boy, arrived in 2007. Misty was outnumbered once again, when their son Kai completed their family in 2009. Cory was a proud dad. His face lit up when he talked about them. They were three of his greatest accomplishments. Cory and Misty lived in Minneapolis from 1997 to 2003, where Cory worked for Llewelyn Publications. They made lifelong friends through their love of music and dedication to the band Greazy Meal. In 2003, they returned to the FM area with their son Taylor to be near Cory's mother, while she battled cancer. Cory worked at H2M, a local ad agency from 2006 to 2011. Throughout his career, he became an experienced entrepreneur as a graphic and web designer, operating under the name Mushmouth Design. From diagnosis until his last moments, Cory fought hard for his family and dreamed for their future. He will be remembered as an astoundingly talented, witty, mischievous and caring man. He was survived by his Wife Misty and their 3 sons Taylor, Ian and Kai; Brothers Scott Qualey and Mark Qualey (Fiancee Kelly Thorne); Sister Naomi Edwards; Nephew Michael Schaffer; Nieces Amanda Qualey and Kayla Schaffer; and Step-mother Janis Qualey. He was preceded in death by his Mother Donabell Qualey, his Father Donald Qualey and Nephew, Kyle Schaffer. A Celebration of Life will be held at Prairie Heights Community Church in West Fargo on Monday, December 14, 2015, at 6:30pm.