Kevin Cook

Kevin Preston Cook, age 60, a resident of Laketown in Polk County died suddenly on April 4, 2012. Kevin was born on January 10, 1952 in Grantsburg to William and Ruby Cook. He was baptized and confirmed in the Laketown Lutheran Church where he remained a member. Kevin attended Luck Public High Schools and graduated with the class of 1970. Kevin married his high school sweetheart Jill Erickson on July 3, 1971. This union was blessed with two sons Kirt and Ben. Kevin began his 41 year career in road construction and spent his last 34 years as a heavy equipment operator with Shafer Construction until his retirement in the spring of 2011. He was referred to as an excellent employee and was well-respected by his employer and co-workers. Retirement was a welcome and anticipated event. He finally had time to do all the things he wanted to. He enjoyed and was successful with his first year of maple syruping and he went on a first ever fishing trip to Canada. Kevin was an avid outdoorsman, whether it was grouse hunting with his constant and faithful Springer Spaniel companions, Kato and Casey, or trapping, deer hunting, wood cutting or simply walking in the woods. Kevin knew the names of all the trees and could identify all the bird songs. Kevin was a man of many talents and interests. He had a natural curiosity for how things worked and he could build or fix anything, from restoring tractors, building wood splitters, trailers, wood stoves, houses, cabins or swing sets for his granddaughters. Kevin was often referred to as a good neighbor and was always ready and willing to lend a hand where needed. He also kept a list of the many project requests from family and friends that he still needed to do. Kevin thought the world of his two granddaughters, Ella and Molly. He would spend hours pushing them on the swings, taking them on nature walks, 4-wheeler rides, looking for agates, baking cakes and just sitting and coloring or putting a puzzle together. The last two years, Kevin planted a huge pumpkin patch to the girls delight and they went into the pumpkin selling business. Last Christmas he took his granddaughters out to the woods to pick out a Christmas tree, where he had hidden two presents. The girls were so surprised that Santa had left them gifts in the tree. Kevin spent his entire life living in the Atlas community. He saw no reason to leave. Much of his time was spent working alongside his sons and it was a blessing for them to have had this time together. Kevin was a good man, a kind man and a very humble man. We all learned a lot from Kevin. Our lives are so much richer for having walked beside him in this life. We rest assured that he will be waiting for us in the next. He will be unbearably missed. Kevin was preceded in death by his father Bill, special springer spaniel dog Kato and brother-in-law Charlie Anderson. He is survived by his loving wife Jill; sons Kirt (Deon) and Ben (Sarah); his granddaughters Ella and Molly; his mother Ruby Cook; his siblings Scott Cook, Melody (Tom) Hutton, Crystal (Burdette) Berntson, Claire (Chris) Chinander, Kerry Cook, Rocky Cook, Marigen (Roger) Kastelle; special springer spaniel dog Casey; along with nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Memorial service will be held Monday, April 9, 2012 at 11:00 AM (visitation 9:30-11AM)at the First Lutheran Church in Cushing with Pastor Dorothy Sandahl officiating. Music will be provided by Shelly Hermansen.