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Obituary for Rockne "Rocky" L. Cook
Rocky Cook, Age 62
“Some people, make the world a better place just by being in it.”
Rocky was one of those.
Rockne Luther Cook was born December 8, 1955 in Grantsburg, Wisconsin to Ruby and Bill Cook. He was baptized and confirmed in Laketown Lutheran Church, and although he preferred listening to church services on TV rather than physically attending, he proudly professed to be a life-long Lutheran.
He enjoyed his school years where he played football and made many treasured friendships, graduating high school in 1974. Rocky worked road construction with Alexander, and Taylor Paving, along with working the farm.
For many years Rocky enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time with his friends. He often said, “I’ve done everything I’ve ever wanted to do.”
After our brother, Kevin, and our mom died, Rocky found comfort staying home as much as possible. Surrounded by the peaceful quietness of the family farm, he often stated, “I have everything I need right here.” He had Jenny and Chance, his two loyal dogs, family and friends coming and going, a four wheeler to check out the woods and pastures, a TV to watch Andy Griffith, and a landline phone to call and check on all those whom he loved and cared about. He found much pleasure looking over the fields watching the birds and wildlife.
Rocky was known for regularly calling his sisters and brothers, keeping everyone informed on family news, expressing his opinions on numerous subjects, and always ended those calls with, “Ten four, over and out.” He kept us connected, a gift we never fully appreciated. Because we swept a few floors and made a few meals we sometimes thought of ourselves as watching over Rocky, but the truth is he had become the nucleus of our family, the soul, the conscience, the heart.
Rocky enjoyed reading the local papers and knowing what was going on in the community. He was so interested in others that even when he was terribly sick he asked the nurses about their lives and jobs, sometimes teasing and making jokes. He had our father’s charm and charisma and our mother’s generosity and compassion. When we came to visit, whether it was a bouquet of flowers, a squash or fresh fish, he never wanted anyone to leave empty handed. Then if it was late or bad weather conditions, he would call one more time to make sure we got home safely.
Rocky was an honest man of strong opinions who also let us know what he hated. He hated greed and materialism. His mantra was, “Less is More.” He hated restlessness and didn’t understand why people wanted to be going places all the time. He was outraged any time he ever heard reports of people being abusive or unkind to animals. He hated when people were too serious when they could be laughing and joking around, and he really hated when people had their heads down in, “those stupid cell phones.”
Rocky was terribly ill and suffered greatly the 16 days he was in the hospital. With courage and grace he fought so very hard to get better. He wanted more than anything to go home to his beloved dogs. We hoped and prayed and wanted more than anything to bring him home. In the end he did go home. When God reached out His loving arms, Rocky bypassed Atlas for an upgrade to a home where there would be no suffering, no pain, no stupid cell phones. We know he knew we were there with him until the end. We know he knew how much we loved him and always will, and if he could have, we’d like to think he would have said goodbye one more time in his own special way, “Ten four, over and out.”
Rocky was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Ruby Cook; brother, Kevin Cook; brother in-law, Charlie Anderson; several aunts and uncles; and several dear friends.
He is survived by brothers, Scott Cook, Kerry Cook; sisters, Melody (Tom) Hutton, Crystal (Ozzie) Berntson, Claire (Chris) Chinander, Marigen (Rev. Roger) Kastelle; sister-in-law, Jill Cook; nieces, Trinity Greenquist, McKenna Paydon; nephews, Torey Hutton, Kirt and Ben Cook, Gabriel and Dominic Berntson, Bjorn, Trygve and Leif Chinander, Ethan Cook; many other relatives and friends; and his beloved dogs, Jenny and Chance.
To honor Rocky’s wishes, a private family graveside service will be held.
You are invited to leave condolences, memories and photos at www.rowefh.com . Arrangements are entrusted to Rowe Funeral Home in Luck, 715-472-2444.
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