COOK, Merlin Andrew --- 1909-1992

WEST, COOK, BURKE, MATT, BRACKIN, WIRKLER, WENGER

Posted By: Ia GenWeb Volunteer
Date: 3/6/2012 at 17:44:41

Merlin Andrew Cook

Funeral services for Merlin Andrew Cook were held Saturday, April 25, 1992, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Elkader, Iowa. Rev. Thomas W. Rhomberg officiated. Organist was Darlene Dittmer. Burial was in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Casket bearers were Christopher Matt, David Matt, Barry Cook, Patrick Cook, Robert Cook and Timothy Cook.

Merlin Andrew was born February 27, 1909 near Elkader, Iowa, to Andrew and Mary (West) Cook. He was raised and educated in the area attending rural school.

Merlin was united in marriage to Marie Burke on December 27, 1933 at Strawberry Point, Iowa. Four children were born to this union. Merlin spent his entire life doing what he dearly loved: farming the land and caring for the animals he raised and nurtured on the Cook family century farm.

Merlin died at his residence Wednesday evening, April 22, 1992. He was 83 years of age. Merlin was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church. He will be remembered as one who enjoyed playing cards. Merlin was a very articulate storyteller, sharing the tales of early life on the farm, his pioneering skills, and struggles for survival during the great depression, his stewardship of the soil, and love of family and friends who he cherished dearly. He was very proud of the educational achievements of his children and his grandchildren and was always supportive of their goals. Grandpa, you are our model, our mentor, and we love you.

Survivors include his wife, Marie; daughter, Jeanine (Ralph) Matt of Sumner, Iowa; three sons, Dr. James (Alta) Cook of Iowa City, Iowa, Dennis (Mary) Cook of Waterloo, Iowa, and William (Deanna) Cook of West Des Moines, Iowa; 16 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; and 2 sisters, Inez Brackin of Phoenix, Arizona and Hazel Wirkler of Monona, Iowa.

Merlin was preceded in death by a brother, Alfred; 2 sisters, Marjorie Wenger and Gladys Wenger; and by his parents.

Postville, Iowa newspaper of the time clipping, from Dorothy Schave's obituary collection.