"John (and Roz) were my parents best friends. As couples they played cards often on Saturday nights while we kids played our own games. As families, we went fishing often to Lake Wisconsin and other shores as well as at the gravel pit. There the fish would bite on anything......are there still fish there I wonder? I can still here John tell us to get off those sand piles which at the time seemed the size of Mount McKinley. One weekend, I remember John coming down to our house asking my dad if perhaps a movie would be in order..... it was and I saw my first movie ever, Mary Poppins, at the Orpheum, if memory serves. John and dad had many wonderful times together: ringing the McFarland Lutheran church bell on New Years Eve; cooking chicken for the Lions in the summer while they sipped libations to keep their whistles wet, having a cocktail or two after contentious Village Board meetings, so many memories. Such great friends. We went to Chicago in the 60's together as families for a day of adventuring only to have one of our cars water pumps break down on Lake Shore Drive. John had a great sense of humor and his smile was infectious. I recall him often at, or coming in our front door exclaiming "Hey Budreau" (My dads name was Bud. He played shortstop as did Lou Boudreaux an All-Star shortstop for the Cleveland Indians in the '50'). One day, for whatever reason, John challenged me to a race, from our old house in McFarland to his, a distance of, I'm guessing, 125 yards. We were neck and neck for a while but being 17ish to John's 45ish gave me the win. As usual, John was laughing at the end. I know John was a wonderful father and husband, as well as a friend. He will be missed. Now he is whole again, no more suffering, no more pain. In this I firmly believe - as I'm sure did he."
In loving memory of
John S. Cook
September 9, 2017
McFarland - John S. Cook, age 86, peacefully passed away on Saturday, September 9, 2017 after a long battle with Parkinson's Disease.
John was born and raised in Stoughton, Wisconsin, the son of Joseph and Anna Cook. John attended Stoughton High School where he excelled in track, basketball and football, graduating in 1949. He met, fell in love and married his wife, Rosanne, in December, 1954. They made their home in Stoughton, eventually moving to McFarland.
John was a member of the Stoughton's National Guard Unit, 128th Infantry, and was called to active duty with the 32nd Division for training at Ft. Lewis, Washington in 1961 as a result of the Berlin Crisis. He served as village trustee and village president on the McFarland Village Board from 1968 to 1982, and also served on the Plan Commission. He was one of the original charter members of the McFarland Lions Club, serving in various board positions throughout the years, including president and vice-president.
John was a Die-Hard Cubs Fan and he and Rosanne traveled to Wrigley Field as much as possible to watch their beloved Cubs. His life-long wish came true in October, 2016 when the Cubs won the world series. John also enjoyed watching Badger football, basketball and hockey, and watching his grandchildren play numerous sports throughout the years.
John was co-owner of Madison Sand & Gravel, Madison Crushing & Excavating, Madison Redi-Mix and Sun Prairie Concrete. He most recently resided at New Perspective Senior Living in Sun Prairie, where he enjoyed visiting with the other residents and sitting outside watching the concrete trucks drive by.
He is survived by his children, Debra (Ernesto) and Dennis (Ginger); four grandchildren, Angela (Keith), Damian (Rebecca), Ian and Sydney; four great-grandchildren, Silas, Ella, Ainslee and Luca; sister, Harriette; and sister-in-law Judy; and nieces Diana and Darcy (Joshua) and special friend Donna.
John was preceded in death by his wife Rosanne and brothers-in-law, David and William.
Visitation will be held at Cress Funeral Home, 5801 Highway 51, McFarland, on Thursday, September 14, 2017 from 4 p.m. to 7p.m.. Services will be held at McFarland Lutheran Church, 5529 Marsh Road, McFarland on Friday, September 15, 2017 at 11 a.m.. Additional visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of services on Friday at church. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. Guests are invited to a luncheon at the church fellowship hall.
The family extends gratitude and thanks to all the staff at New Perspective Senior Living, Home Instead Senior Care, Agrace Hospice Care and UW Hospitals and Clinics for their compassion, kindness and care. We are also grateful to Dr. Laura Buyan-Dent and Dr. Stanley Livingston for their excellent care. Special thanks to Kathy, Heather, "Nellie," and "Tom."
Memorials can be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research or Agrace HospiceCare.
Tributes
"Dear Cook Family, I worked as a Concierge at the Lighthouse several years ago. I loved your John. He was the sweetest man. Every Sunday right after he finished lunch he would come to the desk area so he could buy 2 candy bars. Not 3 or 1 but 2. I tried to make sure there were some of his favs there to choose from. He loved his sweets. His ordeal is done and he is with loved ones above. I'm so sorry for your tremendous loss. No wonder the Cubs lost all weekend. Jill Herreman-Myers"
"To Harritte and John's family... I was so sorry to read about John passing away. I worked at Rosenbaums when John did. We had many good times working together. He was a fun guy. I'm so sorry for your loss and my heartfelt sympathy to you. Kathryn Kvamme Braukhoff"
"So very sorry for your loss. John was a true working mans boss. I had only five years working with him and saw the pain he suffered when he had to sell Madison Redi-Mix. These five years left us with a lasting friendship that I will always cherish. My deepest condolences. Chuck Wichern"