Gerald Cook

Gerald 'Jerry' Duane Cook, age 85, resident of Detroit Lakes, MN, died Tuesday, August 26, 2008 at MeritCare Hospital in Fargo, ND. The Funeral Service for Jerry will be 11:00 AM Friday, August 29 at the Community Alliance Church in Detroit Lakes. Military Honors will be provided by the Lake Region Honor Guard of Detroit Lakes. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday.

Jerry Cook was born March 3, 1923 in Werner, North Dakota to Arch and Pearl (Robison) Cook. He was raised and educated in the Osseo, Wisconsin area, graduating from Osseo High School in 1941. He furthered his education at University of Wisconsin- River Falls but with the outbreak of WW II, he enlisted in the United States Navy in 1942. He received training in radio communications at the University of Idaho and then served aboard the Destroyer USS Woodworth (DD-460) as a Radioman 3 ^rd Class. During his tour of duty Jerry saw action in the Pacific Theater as part of Admiral Halsey's Third Fleet.

After his honorable discharge in March, 1946, Jerry moved to Devils Lake, ND and began his career in sales. He was united in marriage to Betty L. Andersen of Moorhead, MN on May 30, 1947. Jerry worked for 35 years with the Morton Salt Company and retired in June of 1988. During retirement Jerry enjoyed fishing, art crafts, painting, wood carving and drawing. Throughout his life he was an Elks charter member in Detroit Lakes, a lifetime member of the Detroit Lakes VFW, and also a member of the Tin Can Sailors and High Mileage of Community Alliance Church. He enjoyed visiting with his family and friends and cherished the moments shared with his grandchildren, great grandchildren and his nieces and nephews.

Jerry will be remembered and deeply missed by his wife of 61 years, Betty of Detroit Lakes; sons, Tim and his wife Pep of Detroit Lakes, Bradley and his wife Connie of Rosemount, MN; along with his seven grandchildren, Stacie (Jorn) Pung, Kristy Cook, Natalie Cook, Randy (Sarah) Cook, Melissa Cook, Janny (Micah) Andersen and Ashley Cook. He is also survived by two great-grandchildren, Devin Cook and Kaylin Pung; one sister, Ruth Fox of Osseo, WI.  Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Ardis Stewart and Myrna Rosenberg.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests you give donations to a charity of your choice.