In loving memory of

Allan Lee Cook
March 20, 1936 - January 16, 2014

Allan L. Cook, 77, of Maquoketa, Iowa, died peacefully on Thursday morning, January 16, 2014, at his home surrounded by his family.

A celebration of Allan's life will be held at 2 P.M., Sunday, January 19, 2014 at the Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. A gathering of family and friends will be held immediately following the service from 3 to 5 P.M. in "The Bistro" at the Carson Celebration of Life Center. Burial will be at the Mount Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa, Iowa, at a later date.

Allan Lee Cook was born on March 20, 1936 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to William Henry and Sarah (Kramer) Cook. He grew up in Jackson County and attended Maquoketa schools. He worked as a farmhand prior to entering the military where he served in the U.S. Army until receiving an honorable discharge. Upon returning from his military service he continued working as a farmhand until 1957 when he began what would become his lifelong vocation as an HVAC contractor working for Kellams and Bertsch in Maquoketa. He retired in 1998 as the owner and operator of Kellams and Bertsch Heating and Cooling. The family business continues today under the guidance of son Lee and daughter Chris.

During a visit to the Past-Time Theatre in Maquoketa he met his future wife, Darlene Joy Flenker. They were married on January 18, 1959 in Maquoketa, Iowa. To this union four children were born: Linda, Lee, Chris and Cathy.

Allan was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa, the National Horseshoe Pitcher's Association and a board member on the Mount Hope Cemetery Association. He had been an avid bowler for many years, enjoyed camping, metal detecting, eagles, and fishing in his younger years. He especially loved spending time with his family and attending the grandchildren's events.

Those left to honor Allan's memory include his wife, Darlene Cook of Maquoketa, IA; children, Linda Moore of Maquoketa, IA, Lee (Sue) Cook of Maquoketa, IA, Chris (Bruce) River of Maquoketa, IA, and Cathy (Shane) Skala of Cedar Rapids, IA; 11 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren; sisters, Billie Keil of Maquoketa, IA, and June (Virgil) Roeder of Tucson, AZ; and sisters-in-law, Mary Kay Flenker of Maquoketa, IA, Doris (Harlan) Hazer of Maquoketa, IA, and Laurel Williams of Preston, IA. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Jack Williams, brothers-in-law Roger Flenker, Richard Flenker and Wesley Keil, and a great-granddaughter Kendall.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, an Allan L. Cook memorial fund has been established.

Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.

Tributes

Cindy &Terry Koontz wrote on Jan 21, 2014:

"So Sorry to hear of your loss ...Keeping your Family In Our Prayers"

Mark Roeder wrote on Jan 20, 2014:

""He was there when you needed him." I didn't see him a lot after I became an adult. Uncle Allan would call when he came to Manchester to pitch shoes, or watch a grandchild shoot hoops. Once in a while I stopped if I were passing by Maquoketa. About nine years ago we were traveling Manchester to Kankakee for my then 9-year old daughter's first tumbling meet of the season. We left Saturday night before the meet. Near Otter Creek we struck a buck. The hood on my Town Car went straight up, the air bags deployed. I peered through the little opening below the bottom of the now vertical hood and steered the car off to the shoulder. We called the Jackson County Sheriff, -- and Allan Cook. A passerby gave my wife and daughter a ride to the Cooks'. A passerby with his wife and family witnessed the sparks fly from my car at impact in his mirror, turned around to offer help, and hauled my wife and child to Allan and Darlene's. The sheriff hauled me to town. I asked Allan if he knew any car dealers. It was about 8:30 p.m. Allan managed find a salesman who agreed to open Rotman Motors on a Saturday night shortly after 9 p.m. I test drove and bought a cream-puff 1993 Lincoln Town Carr under Allan's supervision, to replace my 1994 Lincoln. Many of you know Sunday sales at licensed car dealers are banned; we managed to get out the dealership by 10:45 p.m. As I was driving to the celebration of life service yesterday (July 19), there was a buck lying along the shoulder in almost the same place as the one I hit 9-years ago. What a coincidence, and it crystallized this memory how Allan was there when we needed him. No matter how long it might be since your last interaction Allan Cook was there when you needed a hand."

Lisa (Hansen) Cunningham wrote on Jan 20, 2014:

"Prayers for healing. May your memories bring you peace."

Patsy Krantz wrote on Jan 19, 2014:

"To Darlene, My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Cherish the Love shared and the Memories made. These are things that can never be taken away from us. "

Bob & Joan Head wrote on Jan 19, 2014:

"Darlene, We are so sorry for your loss. Praying you may find some consolation in the many happy memories that you shared together. "

Ron & Doris Evans wrote on Jan 19, 2014:

"Darlene and family: So sorry to hear of Al's passing. I all ways enjoyed our visits and he was a good friend. so long ago Jesus said,"I go to too prepare a place for you". I'm sure He came and Al has no more pain. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you. "

Angel (Potter) Schiffer & Family wrote on Jan 19, 2014:

"Dear Chris and Family, and all of Allan's loved ones . . .So sorry we were unable to make it to pay our respects and be there to comfort you during this very sad time. it's never easy to say good-bye, but he will always be near you in spirit. Take comfort in your memories, keep your faith strong, and love one another as God has loved you, as Allan has loved you. Love and Peace be with you all. With Sympathy and Respect . . .Angel, Jim, Wyatt, & Kyle Schiffer."

Russ & Lori Houston wrote on Jan 19, 2014:

"So sorry for your loss. Allan was a great backyard neighbor to us for years. May God keep you and comfort you during the days, months and years ahead. "

Cathy Bailey, Pharr TX wrote on Jan 18, 2014:

"Darlene and family - I'm so sorry to hear about Allen. I'm glad I got to see you at the classmates lunch last summer. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Sorry I can't be there to give you a hug."

Rick Hingtgen wrote on Jan 18, 2014:

"To the Cook Family. Please accept my thoughts and prayers after learning of Al's passing. It was my pleasure in getting to know a man loved by many. What an inspiration he was to all that knew him. May God Bless you all. "

Sonny and Kim Goble wrote on Jan 18, 2014:

"Chris, Lee, Linda and families; Was very sorry to hear your dad passed away. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. "

Michelle (Maze) & Mark Hughes wrote on Jan 18, 2014:

"To Lee & all the Cook family, we were so very sorry to hear of your Dad's passing! Please know that you are in our thoughts & prayers!"

Vicki Krantz Shock wrote on Jan 17, 2014:

"To the entire Cook family,so sorry to hear about Cookie. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. "

Sheryl (Moore) Carter wrote on Jan 17, 2014:

"Linda and family, I just want you to know how sorry I am to hear about your loss. Heaven has gained such a wonderful person! May you find peace in all of the memories you have shared and love you had for one another!"

Annette Lahey wrote on Jan 17, 2014:

"My sincere condolences to the family. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal. May your memories give you strength. With caring thoughts ~"

Julie Schroeder-Jamison wrote on Jan 17, 2014:

"Darlene and family, The girls and I send our thoughts and prayers to you during this time of loss. Love to all. Julie Schroeder-Jamison (Lowell Schroeder's oldest daughter)"

Craig & Peggy Flenket wrote on Jan 17, 2014:

"Darlene and family, Our sympathy to all of you in the passing of Al/Cookie. He was a neat guy who always was smiling. He will be missed by all but in our hearts. Our love and prayers. "

Harold and Kenna Manning wrote on Jan 17, 2014:

"Darlene and Family, We will sure miss "Cookie" and all the Skype time, his great friendship, humor, and fun throughout over 35 (!) years. You have all our heartfelt love & sympathy for your loss. He truly leaves a void. Love from your friends, Kenna and Harold"

Yoshikazu Suzuki, MD, MS wrote on Jan 17, 2014:

"Dear Mrs. Darlene Cook, I would like to offer my deepest condolences on the news about your husband Mr. Allan Cook. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers with lots of love from all the staff in the University of Iowa Hospitals. You are both such lovely people and we all adore you and your family. Wonderful memories of the great life Allan had will stay forever in each of you, your family, friends, and our heart. Please stay strong, love relieves you. Much love from everybody, Yoshikazu Suzuki MD, MS University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine University of Iowa Hospitals"

Darrel & Sharon Rettig wrote on Jan 17, 2014:

"Darlene and all of the family, We wish you are deepest sympathy, love and the knowing that we care about you and the loss you are feeling."

Bill & Jan Baresel Spratte wrote on Jan 17, 2014:

"Darlene and family, So sad to hear of Allan's passing. We will miss his e-mails. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Heaven has a new angel. Keep in touch."

Linda and Thor Holmgren wrote on Jan 17, 2014:

"Dear, dear Darlene, kids and grandkids-"Cookie" was a great guy and when we were neighbors, our girls loved to visit with all of you..Rest assured, that he remembers what a loving and caring family you were to him-he was lucky to have all of you for most of his life! May he now rest in peace and please, please, Darlene, take care of your self! God's blessings to all of you and may time heal your hearts! Our love to you!"

CHERYL [PAULSON]HARTWIG wrote on Jan 17, 2014:

"IM SO VERY SAD AND VERY SORRY TO HEAR OF UR DADS PASSIN ,ALLEN WAS ALWAYS SUCH A VERY NICE GUY ,A VERY HARD WORKER ,,HE WAS ALWAYS VERY NICE TO ME WHEN I WAS YOUNGER WHEN ID COME OVER TO UR HOME TO HANG AROUND LINDA ALWAYS VERY KIND ,NEVER A HARSH WORD ,TO ANY BODY ,R I P MR COOK "

Michele Bock Foley wrote on Jan 17, 2014:

"I was so sorry to hear of your loss. May your memories help you thru the difficult times. My thoughts and prayers are with you all."

Molly Hayward wrote on Jan 17, 2014:

"So Sorry for the Loss of Allen. May God Bless the Family with Extra Strength During this Difficult Time. "

Emily Mathews wrote on Jan 17, 2014:

"What a joy Allan was to know! He was my favorite "Cookie" to date and I cherish the memories of he and Darlene joining us for support groups. My sincerest condolences."

Betty Miller wrote on Jan 16, 2014:

"I love this picture of Allan. It looks like he always did with such a cheerful smile. To each one of you, who are special to me. My heart is with you. I will miss Allan's e-mails and visits. "

Lynette Keil-Veit wrote on Jan 16, 2014:

"May you all be guided with a gentle healing spirit during this difficult time . Love ya Chris. "

Wendy and Denny Scott wrote on Jan 16, 2014:

"To the Cook family, We were so sorry to hear of Allan's passing. He was a wonderfully warm giving soul and will be deeply missed. May God help you through this difficult time."

Earl and Candie Potter-Emery wrote on Jan 16, 2014:

"Mrs. Cook, Linda and the rest of the Cook family my prayers and thoughts go out to your family now! May Mr. Cook rest in peace. "

Connie Bonney wrote on Jan 16, 2014:

"To the family, the earth has lost a good man, but heaven gained a super good angel when they got Allan...will miss his smiling face and all the good years at the business..."

Diane (Mitchell) Stephany wrote on Jan 16, 2014:

"Chris and family, My sympathies go out to you. It is hard to lose a parent no matter how old we are. Keep the times spent together close to you. It will bring you comfort."

Shirley Hampton wrote on Jan 16, 2014:

"Darlene, want to express my sympathy to you and your family. Glad that you have introduced a fine man to me years ago. Take care. Shirley Hampton"

Stephanie Atienza Perez wrote on Jan 16, 2014:

"To the Cook Family, I am very sorry for your loss. I never knew Allan but keep his memories like a favorite song that is always in your hearts and there he will remain and his spirit. God has now wrapped him into his arms and welcomed him into his beautiful garden with the heavenly angels above. May that bring you comfort in your time of loss. Our thoughts & prayers are with all of you. "

Carlyle & Averil Merritt wrote on Jan 16, 2014:

"To Darlene & family. We share your great loss of such a fine high school classmate & great friend. "

Carol (Devine) Goebel wrote on Jan 16, 2014:

"To the Cooks, Very sorry for your loss, I remember when my parents died and how kind Linda was to my family with her comforting words, hugs and food....it is not easy but he will live on in your hearts forever, gone.....but never forgotten! Take care of your Mom Sincerely, Carol"

Boyd & Karen Shaffer wrote on Jan 16, 2014:

"Darlene, Linda, Lee, Cathy & Chris. So sorry for the loss of your husband & Dad. Maquoketa has lost a GREAT MAN, you have lost the Patriarch of your family (but he'll always be there) & his friends have lost a great friend. But Heaven just got even better. Love from Karen & I."

Dick & LeAnn McCallister wrote on Jan 16, 2014:

"Darlene, Lee, Cathy, Chris, We are so sorry about Al's passing. He was such a sweet man and I know that Dick learned a lot from him over the years. He will definitely be missed by all whose lives he touched. May he rest in peace with no more pain and discomfort. Hold all of the wonderful memories close to your hearts and he will be will you forever. Rest in peace Al. Please let us know if we can assist you in any way needed."