Christopher "Chris" J Cox

Christopher J. Cox, age 71, passed away peacefully at The Summit in Bettendorf Iowa on March 29, 2025, after battling Multiple Sclerosis for several years. Visitation will be on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, from 4:00 – 7:00 pm at Weerts Funeral Home. A memorial service to honor Chris’ life will be held on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at 10:30 am at Weerts Funeral Home. Inurnment will be at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in North Garryowen Iowa at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorials in Chris’ name may be made to one of the following: River Bend Foodbank, University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital, Friends of Bettendorf Parks and Recreation, or MercyOne Genesis Hospice Care.

Chris was born on May 15,1953 in Culver City California to Clara and Louis Cox. While in elementary school, his family moved to Dubuque Iowa. Chris married Liz (Mary E. Schissel) on July 20, 1974.

Chris began working at John Deere in the Dubuque Foundry in 1973 and upon graduating from the University of Dubuque with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Safety Engineering and Biology, he became a Safety Engineer at Dubuque Works and continued as a Safety Manager at Ottumwa Works and later at Davenport Works. He also worked at Waterloo Works as the Environmental and Safety Manager. Retiring in 2013 after 41 years at John Deere as the Environmental Manager of North America, Europe, and the Middle East.

Chris was involved in many organizations throughout his career including the Board of Directors of Genesis Health System, President of the Board of Directors of Iowa Illinois Safety Council, President of the American Society of Safety Engineers, and received the Quad City Senior Engineer of the Year by the QCA Engineering and Science Council. He was also active with the United Way in Waterloo and the Quad Cities, serving on the Leadership Giving Board.

Post retirement, he and his family enjoyed spending time outdoors at their cabin, fishing and boating at the lake, and time in Florida. He got the best promotion in 2015, when he became a “Papa” to his first grandchild.

Chris enjoyed the outdoors, woodworking, and being with his family.

Chris is survived by his wife of 50 years, Liz Cox, his daughter, Sarah Cox (JR Klegseth) of Minneapolis Minnesota, his son, Brian Cox (Kelsey), their children Landon and Layla, and his daughter, Laura Wittnebel (Brad), and their children Nolan and Dalton all of Bettendorf Iowa. His brother, Tim Cox (Lu) and sister, Mary Therese Danzer (David “Bugs”), and many nieces and nephews.

Chris is preceded in death by his parents Louis and Clara Cox and his brother Patrick Cox.