Willis Dean Cook

Cook, Willis "Will" D. Will was born in 1934 in Austin, Minnesota to Francis and Ruth Cook. He passed away peacefully on January 10th, 2024 surrounded by his family. Will was a devoted husband, a loving dad, and an omnipresent and supportive Papa. He married Nancy Cunningham in 1957 at Rollstone Congregational Church in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. Will never missed a day of telling Nancy he loved her or an opportunity to show her. Over their 66 years together they raised three children: Maryfran (Ron), Mike (Mary), and Eric (Nina). Will's 89 years were also blessed with 7 grandkids and 4 great grandkids. Will graduated from Austin High School in 1952. After high school he attended Austin Community College then enlisted in the Army. Will was stationed in Fort Devens, Massachusetts where he met his wife Nancy. They moved to Minnesota to raise a family and finish his schooling at the University of Minnesota with a degree in Business. Will went on to have a lengthy career in public accounting. Will had an insatiable sense of adventure, curiosity and accomplishment. As an avid outdoorsman he made countless trips to Canada to hunt and fish. He also traveled to England to do metal detecting with friends. Will's commitment to his grandkids can not be overstated. He enjoyed many activities with them like reading together, fishing, watching them play sports, and teaching them how to play cribbage. Will was a longtime member of Midland Hills Country Club. Having the first tee time of the day was common for Will and his group. He also carried his bag well into his 80's. A good golf round for Will wasn't always dictated by his score but rather how many golf balls he found. After meeting Will you would instantly remember his laugh, warmth, and his sense of humor. His laugh could fill a room. His warmth was in the way he genuinely connected with people. His sense of humor kept him young at heart. One favorite family tradition that Will started was to read the Night Before Christmas to all the kids and grandkids on Christmas Eve while wearing a Santa hat. The magic of this moment always lingered long after the story was over. Will's impact on our lives will do the same. A celebration of life will be held on Friday, February 23rd, 2024 from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m. at Midland Hills Golf Course. Memorials preferred to MN PGA Junior Golf. (http://givemn.org/story./juniorgolf)

Tributes

Willis Dean Cook

October 6, 1934 - January 10, 2024

Tributes

Willis Dean Cook

October 6, 1934 - January 10, 2024

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