Walter Russell Cook

Walter was born on July 24,1924 in Negaunee, Michigan, a son of Walter D. and Mildred (Davey) Cook. Walter was a veteran of World War II where he served in the 10th Mountain Division. After returning from the war he attended Neon Glass Blowing School in New York. He then joined his father Walter D. Cook in the family business, Cook Sign Service which he began in 1936. Walter eventually took over the business and ran it until he retired. The duties of the business were taken over by his son, Daniel Walter Cook. Today, Cook Sign Service is still in business. Walter married Ann Louise Blemberg and had three children. Marilyn Cook Kahl, Daniel Walter Cook and Margaret Cook Ellis. Walter enjoyed ski jumping and downhill skied well into his 70’s. He even had his own parking spot at Marquette Mountain. He was also an avid softball player, playing in the South Marquette League. It was not until he retired that he took up the game of golf. Walt was quite personable and had the gift of remembering people’s names when he met them. Walter was a member of the First United Methodist Church. He was also a member of Marquette Exchange Club for many years.

Walt is survived by his son, Daniel (Marilyn Jean) Cook; his daughter, Margaret Cook (Jay) Ellis of Delray Beach, Florida; son-in-law, Robert Kahl; two granddaughters, April Kahl and Sarah Kahl (Lucas) Erickson; four great-grandsons, Beau and Zane Nedeau and Aiden and Daniel Erickson; and a sister-in-law, Judy Cook.

Walt was preceded in death by his parents, Walter D. Cook and Mildred Davey Cook; his wife, Ann Louise Blemberg Cook; a daughter, Marilyn Ann Cook Kahl; a grandson, Walter Kahl; and his brothers, Wayne Cook and Thomas Cook.

The family would like to express their appreciation to the caregivers at Mill Creek Assisted Living and UP Home Health and Hospice for their compassionate and professional care, and for the many kindnesses they extended to Walt’s family.

Honoring the wishes of the family, no services will be scheduled.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to UP Home Health and Hospice, 1125 W. Ridge Street, Marquette, MI 49855.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.