Cheryl A. McCulloh

Cheryl Ann McCulloh died October 9, 2021, in Davenport, IA at Genesis East Hospital. Cheryl was born in Davenport on July 6, 1953. She lived with her parents, Robert and Arlen Suiter, and brother, Jack, in Waterloo where she attended public schools. Cheryl graduated from Waterloo West High School in 1971. She graduated from the University of Iowa on May 17, 1975- on the same day that she married her husband, Waylyn McCulloh. Cheryl later earned a Master of Business Administration from Saint Ambrose University. They had one daughter, Kristine.

With the exception of her employment as manager of the Iowa City Von Maur department store early in her career, Cheryl worked in the field of social services and fund-raising. She was the Director of the Gateway United Way for thirty years. Cheryl was passionate about her work in raising money to support social causes, especially programs that provided services for children. In addition to her work with the United Way, Cheryl was active in volunteer and service organizations. She served on the boards of the Bi-State Literacy Council and the Family Planning Council of Iowa. Cheryl was a thirty-year member of the Clinton Rotary Club and was a Paul Harris fellow.

Cheryl and Waylyn became members of First Presbyterian Church in Davenport in October of 1978. Although Cheryl was not directly involved in the church’s music programs, she provided support to her husband and daughter as they sang in the choirs and performed in other events. Cheryl cherished the many friendships that she and Waylyn made during their long relationship with First Presbyterian. She hoped to use the extra time she had in retirement to volunteer at the church. Unfortunately, her brief period of retirement was absorbed with her attempts to defeat cancer. In addition to her support of the music programs at First Presbyterian, Cheryl was a supporter of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra. Cheryl and Waylyn enjoyed musical theater and had the opportunity to attend both local performances and performances in Chicago, New York City, and London.

Cheryl had limited interest in playing sports; however, she was a fervent patron of the Iowa Hawkeyes. She and Waylyn attended the University of Iowa during the early 70’s when the Hawks were abysmal. During the past forty years, however, Cheryl was able to celebrate many Hawkeye victories. She was especially frustrated this fall when her illness prevented her from attending Iowa football games (although even when she was in the ICU, she and Waylyn would sing the Iowa Fight Song to boost her spirits.)

Cheryl loved her family dearly. She was proud of her daughter Kristine’s academic achievements. Cheryl loved attending Kristine’s choir and theater performances. One of Cheryl’s happiest experiences was attending Kristine’s law school graduation. Cheryl was the quintessential grandmother to Blake and Nora. She looked forward to annual trips to select the perfect pumpkin and to go on Easter Egg hunts. Cheryl was exceedingly annoyed that she was unable to spend more time with her grandchildren during the past eighteen months due to Covid and her illness. Jason was the perfect son-in-law in that he is a loving father and husband to Kristine- and lover of all things Black and Gold.

Cheryl is survived by her husband Waylyn; her daughter Kristine Dreckman; son-in-law Jason; grandson Blake; granddaughter Nora; brother Jack Suiter; sister-in-law Barbara; and numerous nieces and nephews. Her parents preceded her in death.

The McCulloh family extends its appreciation to the staff of the Genesis Oncology and ICU units for the wonderful care afforded to Cheryl. They performed difficult tasks with professionalism and empathy, especially during the final hours of Cheryl’s life.

The McCulloh family asks that any memorials be designated for one of the following organizations: the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital, Genesis Philanthropic or the music department at the Davenport First Presbyterian Church.

A celebration of life service is planned for October 23, 2021, at Davenport First Presbyterian Church at 11:00 a.m., followed by a time for family and friends to meet in the church fellowship hall. Covid safety precautions will be observed.