LaRue L. Cook

LaRue Leland Cook was born on August 18, 1944, in Graceville, MN, to Virgil and Mary (Reddy) Cook. He grew up and graduated from high school in Breckenridge, MN, and went on to the Sheetmetal course at the North Dakota State School of Science in Wahpeton, ND. It was there that he met his soulmate, Kathy Emmel. They were united in marriage on March 27, 1965, at St. John's Catholic Church in Wahpeton. LaRue and Kathy moved to Moorhead in 1966, where he worked for Peterson, Inc. for several years before starting his own business, Cook's Mechanical. LaRue was a jack of all trades, whether it would be working on cars or building the addition to his home.

LaRue had a deep love for his family. He touched many lives with his big smile, deep belly laughs and great sense of humor. Besides his wife, his greatest love was for his children and grandchildren. He took an active role in their lives by coaching football, basketball and baseball. He was also a leader for their Boy Scout troop. He was an active member of St. Francis de Sales parish for over 45 years. He was a tremendous leader and an outstanding role model. He will be remembered best for his big heart and his willingness to lend a hand to anyone who needed help.

LaRue passed away Thursday, August 20, 2015, surrounded by his family, at Sanford Health Palliative Care Unit in Fargo, ND, at the age of 71.

LaRue is survived by his wife, Kathy, of Moorhead; his son and daughter-in-law, Jeffrey (Lisa), and their children, Noah and Hannah of Fargo; his son and daughter-in-law, Michael (Sara), and their children, Sam and Elizabeth of Castle Rock, CO; daughter and son-in-law, Shelly (Steve) Bill, and their children, Andrew and Lauren of Moorhead; and son and daughter-in-law, Dan (Shelby), and their children, Jaiden, Rylan and Owen of Lakeville, MN; and two sisters, Linda (Kelly) Summerville, Circle Pines, MN, and Karen (Jerry) Boles, Andover, MN.

Preceding LaRue in death were his parents, Virgil and Mary Cook; his brothers, Gary and Kevin Cook; and niece, Kari Lee Boles.

Visitation will be Monday, August 24, 2015, from 5 - 7 PM, with a prayer service at 7 PM, in St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, Moorhead.

The memorial mass will be Tuesday, August 25, 2015, at 11 AM, in St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church.