Michael L. Cook, age 67, of Hanover, Illinois, died on Friday, March 14, 2008, at Midwest Medical Center, Galena, Illinois. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 19, 2008, at Law-Jones Funeral Home, Hanover. Reverend Ken Matthews of the United Methodist Church in Hanover will officiate. Burial will be in Dubuque Memorial Gardens, Dubuque, Iowa. Military rites will be accorded. A Visitation will be held from 5:00-8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 18, 2008 at the funeral home in Hanover. A Memorial Fund has been established in Mike’s memory.
Mike was born on December 5, 1940, the son of Roy and Jessie (Franklin) Cook, in southern Illinois. He attended high school in Edgemont, South Dakota, graduating with the Class of 1959. Upon graduation from high school, Mike served his country in the United States Navy for eight years and continued to serve in the Naval Reserves until 1976. Mike married Rita Starr on February 20, 1983, in Hanover.
Mike worked in communications for the Savanna Army Depot until retiring in 1993. He served on the Hanover Zoning Board and was a member of the Hanover Fire Department for forty years. Mike was a lifetime member of the Hanover Veteran’s of Foreign War and the National Rifle Association. Mike enjoyed fishing and hunting, especially whitetail deer. He also enjoyed playing euchre, taking pictures and was an avid Minnesota Vikings and St. Louis Cardinal fan. Most of all, Mike loved spending time with his family and friends.
Mike is survived by his wife, Rita, of Hanover; four step-sons, Rod (Laura) Diestelmeier of Wister, Oklahoma, Rick (Connie) Diestelmeier of Savanna, Illinois, Raymie (Tracy) Diestelmeier of Elizabeth, Illinois, and Robin (Deb) Diestelmeier of Savanna; two step-daughters, Roxann Schultz of Lena, Illinois, Renee Hastings of Stockton, Illinois; eighteen step-grandchildren; fifteen step-great-grandchildren; one brother, Don (Teody) Cook of Seoul, Korea; mother-in-law, Golda Starr of Stockton; brother-in-law, Keith (Carole) Starr of Stockton; eight nieces and one nephew .
Mike is preceded in death by his parents.