John F. Cook, 88, of Ottawa passed away unexpectedly on Monday, November 29, 2021 at his home.
A memorial visitation will be held from 10 am to noon on Thursday, December 2 at Ottawa Funeral Home. Memorial services will follow at noon, with Rev. David Kipfer officiating.
John was born July 24, 1933 in Ottawa to Stephen and Clara (Thabor) Cook and was raised on the West Side, along with his eight siblings. He attended St. Francis Grade School and graduated from Ottawa Township High School in 1951. After graduation, John enlisted in the United States Army, where he served for four years during the Korean War.
John met Carol A. (Twait) shortly after he returned to Ottawa, and they were married within a year. They said their vows at St. Joseph's Church in Wedron on September 7, 1957, and have spent 64 wonderful years together. John often came off as gruff, but underneath he was the most loving and caring husband, father, and grandfather. He adored his grandchildren, loved to tease and agitate, and swear in Romanian!
He is survived by his wife, Carol; three children, Shelly (Steve) Kuhn of Ottawa, Julie (Kirk) Scott of Wisconsin, and Mike (Jane) Cook of Mundelein; eight grandchildren, John (Adrienne), Alex (Kate), and Leah Kuhn, Shane, Christa, and Cara Scott, Matthew and Caitlin Cook; his great-granddaughter, Maya; two brothers, Joseph (Val) and Pete (Cam) Cook, both of Ottawa; and two sisters, Rose (Parke) Hinman of South Carolina and Margaret (Gary) Gunderson of North Carolina.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Frank, Nick, and Steve Cook; and a sister, Mag Nelson.
John was a very strong supporter of St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. In lieu of flowers, please direct all donations to St. Jude's, in loving memory of John.
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