Robert Cook

Robert L. Cook (Bob) 71 of Menomonie, WI went to live with the Lord Sunday, October 6, 2013 surrounded by his loving family at the U of M Fairview hospital in Minnesota. Bob passed away from complications of diabetes. Bob was born in Mondovi March 20th 1942, to James and Margaret (Rafferty) Cook. He grew up in the Mondovi area and was baptized and confirmed from Mondovi Methodist Church. He graduated with the class of 1960 from the Mondovi High School.

After graduation he joined the National Guard and served with the Headquarters Company 128th Infantry Battalion until 1962. January 12, 1963 he married his high school sweetheart Maxine Emerson of Eleva at the Eleva Lutheran Church. They resided for a short time in Mondovi where Bob worked for the Mondovi Cooperative. He moved to Chilton, WI in May of 1960 where Bob was the Mill Manager for the Chilton Cooperative. In 1969 they moved to Brillion, WI where Bob was the General Manager of the Brillion Cooperative. In 1976 Bob and his family moved to Menomonie where Bob was the General Manager of the Menomonie Farmers Union Cenex Cooperative until 2000. He continued to work as an Intern Manager in Almena, Black River, Sheldon and Barron until he retired in 2005.

Bob had a love for horses. In his youth he was a member of the riding club in Mondovi. He loved Rodeo, and competed in bull riding, barrel racing and saddle broncs. He had a love for trap shooting and hunting where many memories were made at his hunting shack in Minong with family and friends. He owned a cabin in Hayward Wisconsin where he loved to spend his summers. He was an excellent Walleye fisherman and spent hours fishing with his children and grandchildren and being the captain of our long pontoon rides. He loved the Packers and watching his sons and grandchildren play hockey. He will be remembered for peeking his head into the locker room to say "Give em tar paper boys!"

He is survived by the love of his life, Maxine of 50 years, his 3 children; Chari Cook (Kevin Hellerman) of Baldwin, Shane (Kate) Cook of Baldwin, Chad (Carrie) Cook of Menomonie. Grandchildren; Derek (Holly) Cook of Baldwin, Cyri, Cosette, Bazl, Majr Cook of Baldwin, Kenadie, Clasen and Quincy Cook of Menomonie. Great Grandchildren; Kaden and Ryker Cook of Baldwin. A loving sister Mary (Dennis) Brion of Mondovi, who gave Bob 18 years of life by donating her Kidney. A brother Jack Cook of the Philippines. Brothers in law; Tom (Judy) Emerson of Barnes, Dean (Jane) Emerson of Eau Claire, Sister in law Donna (Allen) Schultz of Eau Claire. As well as many other cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents James and Margaret Cook of Mondovi.

Celebration of Bob's life will be held at 2:00pm Friday, October 11, at Little Elk Creek Lutheran Church, Twp. Red Cedar, Dunn Co., with Pastor Dale Moe officiating. Burial will be in Froen Cemetery, Twp. Red Cedar, Dunn Co., with Military Honors by the Menomonie Veterans Honor Guard. Visitation will be held- 4-8pm Thursday October 10th at Olson Funeral Home in Menomonie and also one hour before the service at the church on Friday. Join us in celebration of Bob's life with food, refreshments and fellowship at the Veterans Center of Menomonie, Hwy 25 North of Menomonie following services.

Bob will be remembered as a kind gentle spirit who will be with us every day in his children and grandchildren. To know Bob was to Love Bob, he will be greatly missed.