Kenneth C. Cook

Kenneth Charles Cook was born September 14, 1934, to Charles and Ella (McColgin) Cook, on their farm near Baker, MN. Ken went to school in Barnesville, MN, and then entered the US Army in 1954. He was stationed in England the majority of his service career where he was an Engineer Equipment Mechanic. For his service, Ken was awarded the National Defense Service Medal.

Following his discharge in 1956, Ken returned to the area and began working for Cass-Clay Creamery, where he was employed for thirty-nine years, retiring in 1995. In 1956, he met the love of his life, Janice Gehrig. They married April 27, 1957, at Assumption Catholic Church, Barnesville, MN.

As a married man, Ken helped out on the Gehrig farm, eventually taking over in 1966 where he enjoyed farming until 1987. Ken and Janice moved to Downer, MN, in 1992, where they lived until they moved to Moorhead, MN, in 2013. Ken and Janice enjoyed traveling for many years. They spent many winters at their home in Mesa AZ.

Ken had many passions, which included farming, gardening and raising the famous Cook raspberries. He also enjoyed raising pheasants, fishing, deer-hunting, and spending time with loved ones. There was always a smile on his face when any of the grandchildren and great-grandchildren were around. Especially when they were together in the garden.

Ken will be remembered most for his sense of humor, his friendship and his love for life. He passed away peacefully at the age of 82, surrounded by his family Sunday February 12, 2017, in his home.

Ken is survived by his wife of fifty-nine years, Janice, Moorhead; children, Larry (Diane) Cook, Farmington, MN, Robert Cook, Bullhead City, AZ, Randy (Tammy) Cook, Hawley, MN, and Theresa (Hank) Hansen, New Richmond, WI; grandchildren, Brian (Dani) Cook, Jennifer (Adam) Peterson,, Katie Cook, Brittany Hansen, Sasha (Adam) Brandt, Cody Cook, and Heather Hansen; great-grandchildren, Brodey, Isaac, and Oliver; and his siblings, Grace Heitzman, Gilbert, MN, and Curt (Dorothy) Cook, Dilworth, MN.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Walter and Duane; and his sisters, Amy Jean and Dorothy.

Ken's family would like to sincerely thank Hospice of the Red River Valley for their care and comfort for Ken and family. Memorials are preferred to Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Visitation for Ken will be Sunday, February 19, 2017, from 5 - 7 PM, with a prayer service at 7 PM, in St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, Moorhead. The funeral mass will be Monday, February 20, 2017, at 11 AM, in the church. Private family burial will take place at a later date.