In memory of

Donald D. Cook

December 15, 1933 - October 4, 2024
From: Storm Lake, IA
Donald D. Cook

Donald D. Cook

Born: December 15, 1933
Died: October 4, 2024
Age: 90
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   Donald Cook, age 90, formerly of Nemaha, IA, passed away on Friday, October 4, 2024, at Methodist Manor in Storm Lake, IA. Donald David was born on December 15, 1933, to parents Merritt and Ruth (Jensen) Cook in Bradenton, Florida. The family, including three sisters, moved to Arlington, Nebraska briefly and then to Nemaha, Iowa in 1940.
From his early years, he was working hard with his father and family on what became the beautiful and prosperous “Clovergold Farm”. His father’s beekeeping and growing Ayrshire dairy farm were a full-time job for the whole family.
   Don graduated from Nemaha High School in 1951, excelling in academics, basketball, and baseball. Soon after, he met Mary Lou Nelsen of Newell who would eventually become his wife. He enlisted in the Army in 1953. The Korean War was winding down and Don spent the bulk of his enlistment in Japan. He excelled there as well and achieved Sergeant status within two years. Upon returning home, he married Mary Lou. They lived and worked hard on the dairy farm and had three children.
   Don was quite active in the community as well. He served as president of the Crestland School board, served many years on the Sac County REC Board, and was on the board of Mid American Dairy Coop.
   After treatment for cancer and the state of farming in the early 80’s, Don was forced to sell the farm. While working temporary jobs he was studying to become a County Assessor. He passed the test on the first try, and was then hired by Monroe County, Iowa to be their County Assessor. He rose rapidly in the ranks to get designations by the International Association of Assessors and President of the Iowa Association of Assessing Officers. Don and Mary Lou lived on an acreage west of Albia until their retirements in 1999, at which time they moved back to Nemaha.
   Don enjoyed a vibrant retirement with his new found hobby of fishing including farm ponds, local lakes, and traveling to Minnesota and Canada. Golfing was another favorite past time. He enjoyed helping neighboring farmers with seasonal tractor work. His wife, Mary Lou, passed away in 2012. In 2013, Don was introduced to Pauline Vauble of Sac City by a mutual friend and their friendship was rich with travel, local high school basketball games, and their love of college sports on T.V.
   Don was known as “Big Don”, not only due to his stature but to his firm, no nonsense approach to life. His family and friends knew of his caring, humorous, and generous nature. He loved to travel, to read, and listened to all genres of music. He loved entertaining family and friends and his fish fries were greatly anticipated. He was a family man who loved and appreciated his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and always looked forward to their visits.
   Left to cherish his memories are his sister, Marlene Nelson of Graeagle, CA; special friend Pauline Vauble of Sac City; children, Debra Cook (Richard Barber) of Bellevue, NE, David Cook (LuAnn) of Nemaha, and Brenda Cook of Wellston, OK; grandchildren: Adam Cook (Jenna), Andrea Holmes (Tim), Ayla Loughry (Keith), Alyssa Muehlmann (Nic), Austin Mentzer (Maggie Vogl), and Hallie Gould (Weslee); and eleven great-grandchildren.
   Don was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Lou; parents Merritt and Ruth Cook; parents-in-law Arthur and Opal Nelsen; sister Pat Combes and her husband Raymond, sister, Anita Hamm and her husband Kenneth; brother-in-law Gene Nelson; niece Jolene (Blass) Perryman; nephew Brian Blass; great-granddaughter Grace Holmes, and other extended family members.

   IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, memorials may be given to the family in Don's memory that they will then disburse to some of his favorite organizations/charities.
SERVICES
Memorial Service
10:30 a.m., Saturday
November 9, 2024
United Methodist Church
Nemaha, Iowa
OFFICIATING
Reverend Missy Erickson
VISITATION
5:00-7:00 p.m., Friday
November 8, 2024
Farber & Otteman Funeral Home
Sac City, Iowa
INTERMENT
Delaware Township Cemetery
Nemaha, Iowa

Condolences

Monday, November 4, 2024 at 9:26 AM
“Deb, Dave, Brenda, Anita and Family - my Husband Jeff and I send our prayers and sympathy. Don was a leader in the community and in all aspects of his life. May you all carry on his legacy. ”
- Carmen (Kowalke) Dorman
Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at 7:48 AM
“Jane and I send our condolences to Don's family. He was a well-liked member of the Nemaha community.”
- Ed Hawks
Thursday, October 24, 2024 at 1:40 PM
“Deb, Dave and Brenda, Sue and I send our condolences to you and your families on your loss. Don't was a great man and remember as a child when my parents went to visit Don and Mary Lou on the farm. The cousins were close and had much in common. Will miss Don's wit. He always had a story to tell that would put a smile on my face. God Bless. Our prayers are with you.”
- Vince and Sue Davis
Friday, October 18, 2024 at 9:34 AM
“The whole cook family your have deepest sympathy. Don was a great man to do business with and a good friend. he could make the worst time fun. May he rest in peace.”
- Nolan & Mari Kreft
Monday, October 14, 2024 at 5:55 PM
“I am sorry for you loss. Don was a really good guy! ”
- Gale Johnson
Saturday, October 12, 2024 at 4:49 PM
“Sympathy to all of Don's Family and Friends. ”
- Georgia Vajpeyi
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