Joe Cook

Joe R. Cook

Today and for many days to come we mourn the loss of a gentle soul who has touched many hearts. On October 2, Joe R. Cook of Hibbing passed away at Wedum Hospice in Brooklyn Park, MN. Joe was born on May 22, 1928 in Grove Lake, MN to Ira and Evalena (Elwood) Cook.

Throughout his long life, Joe brightened the lives of so many people with his kind words, thoughtfulness, and support of others. After growing up in Grove Lake and a stint in the Army, Joe moved to Rapid City, SD where he was married to Darlene E. Flanagan at Trinity Lutheran Church. Together with their two daughters, they moved to Hibbing, MN where they spent the majority of their lives. They also spent time during Joe’s career as an engineer in Michigan and Maryland, and later spent the long Minnesota winters in Mesa, AZ. And, at each of these places, Joe’s easy-going and friendly manner ensured that he touched many lives. Those still with us will mourn his loss deeply. And, those passed from us will celebrate his arrival in Heaven.

In Heaven, Joe will join his wife Darlene; daughter Sandy Hendricks; brother Harlan Cook; sisters June Blum, Verna Gould, and Inez Zschunke; and other loving family. Joe will be greatly missed by daughter Linda Weigel; granddaughter Jessica Setness; grandsons Dave Holden, Mark Weigel, Jeff Weigel, and Stephen Weigel; his great-grandchildren Kayla and Nathan Weigel, his many nieces and nephews, and all of those touched by his love.

Funeral services for Joe will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, November 10 at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Hibbing. The Reverend Kevin Olson will officiate. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the funeral service at the church on Saturday. Interment will take place at the Maple Hill Cemetery in Hibbing. Arrangements are with the Dougherty Funeral Home of Hibbing.  Memorials may be sent to J.A. Wedum Residential Hospice in thanks for the wonderful care provided to Joe.