1
tree
planted in memory of Joseph Raymond "Joe" Cook
Obituary for Joseph Raymond "Joe" Cook
Joseph Raymond “Joe” Cook, age 70, a longtime resident of Spring Bay, passed away Tuesday, December 21, 2021 at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, following a brave battle with COVID.
Born July 25, 1951 in Peoria, he was the son of Carroll L. and Helen M. Cook, the fourth of nine children. He grew up in Peoria, where he attended the former Greeley Grade School and Woodruff High School. Following the death of his father, he began his working life at an early age.
A proud member of Local #18 Finishers Union, he worked as concrete finisher for C & G Concrete Construction for many years.
Joe loved nature and considered time outdoors as time well spent. He loved fishing in Alaska, golfing, and working on the farm of Dale and Janice Horowitz, best friends who were like family. His help with the harvest, canning, and bailing hay will be greatly missed.
A giving, loving and kind man, he never met a stranger and was always eager to help a friend in need. He was well known in his community and had many favorite places around town where he enjoyed meeting neighbors and friends. His John Deere riding mower was a fixture of his neighborhood and his generosity in seeing that the neighbors’ lawns were beautifully mowed will never be forgotten.
He will be remembered for his giving spirit, kind-heartedness, and his adorable dimples which his daughter inherited. He was a good man, who adored his daughter so much. She was truly his pride and joy.
Joe fought a number of battles during his lifetime, not the least of which was life threatening kidney disease which he conquered five years ago with the undying love of his beloved daughter, Amanda Lynn, who was able to be a living kidney donor and unselfishly saw that her dad had another shot at life. He was forever grateful for her generous gift and the bond between them became stronger and unbreakable.
Amanda survives, along with her husband, Ross Masching, and currently lives in Leander, TX. Joe is also survived by his brothers and sisters, Carroll Lee Cook of Spring Bay, Ora M. (Guy) Fisher of Wasilla, AK, Sharon L. (Rick) Drake of Pekin, Gerald W. (JoAnn) Cook of Pekin, and Rebecca A. Dringenberg of Wheatland, MO; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Judith A. Greene and Debra S. Goodin; and a brother, Thomas E. Cook.
Family and friends are invited to gather to celebrate the life of Joe Cook on Friday, December 31, 2021 from 10:30 a.m. until the time of Memorial Services at 11:30 a.m., at Rivers Edge United Methodist Church, 500 N. Chicago Street, Spring Bay. Lunch reception to immediately follow. Cremation rites have been accorded and interment will be private.
Memorials in his name to Gift of Hope Organ and Tissue Donor Network (www.giftofhope.org) or Life Goes On (www.lifegoeson.com) would be appreciated.
Mandy and Ross are grateful for the thoughts and prayers received during Joe’s illness, and the many expressions of sympathy since his passing. They invite you to share a memory of Joe, or to send a message of support, by visiting www.csmico.com/obituaries
The Cremation Society of Mid-Illinois Co. Pekin/Peoria is assisting the family with arrangements.
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Born July 25, 1951 in Peoria, he was the son of Carroll L. and Helen M. Cook, the fourth of nine children. He grew up in Peoria, where he attended the former Greeley Grade School and Woodruff High School. Following the death of his father, he began his working life at an early age.
A proud member of Local #18 Finishers Union, he worked as concrete finisher for C & G Concrete Construction for many years.
Joe loved nature and considered time outdoors as time well spent. He loved fishing in Alaska, golfing, and working on the farm of Dale and Janice Horowitz, best friends who were like family. His help with the harvest, canning, and bailing hay will be greatly missed.
A giving, loving and kind man, he never met a stranger and was always eager to help a friend in need. He was well known in his community and had many favorite places around town where he enjoyed meeting neighbors and friends. His John Deere riding mower was a fixture of his neighborhood and his generosity in seeing that the neighbors’ lawns were beautifully mowed will never be forgotten.
He will be remembered for his giving spirit, kind-heartedness, and his adorable dimples which his daughter inherited. He was a good man, who adored his daughter so much. She was truly his pride and joy.
Joe fought a number of battles during his lifetime, not the least of which was life threatening kidney disease which he conquered five years ago with the undying love of his beloved daughter, Amanda Lynn, who was able to be a living kidney donor and unselfishly saw that her dad had another shot at life. He was forever grateful for her generous gift and the bond between them became stronger and unbreakable.
Amanda survives, along with her husband, Ross Masching, and currently lives in Leander, TX. Joe is also survived by his brothers and sisters, Carroll Lee Cook of Spring Bay, Ora M. (Guy) Fisher of Wasilla, AK, Sharon L. (Rick) Drake of Pekin, Gerald W. (JoAnn) Cook of Pekin, and Rebecca A. Dringenberg of Wheatland, MO; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Judith A. Greene and Debra S. Goodin; and a brother, Thomas E. Cook.
Family and friends are invited to gather to celebrate the life of Joe Cook on Friday, December 31, 2021 from 10:30 a.m. until the time of Memorial Services at 11:30 a.m., at Rivers Edge United Methodist Church, 500 N. Chicago Street, Spring Bay. Lunch reception to immediately follow. Cremation rites have been accorded and interment will be private.
Memorials in his name to Gift of Hope Organ and Tissue Donor Network (www.giftofhope.org) or Life Goes On (www.lifegoeson.com) would be appreciated.
Mandy and Ross are grateful for the thoughts and prayers received during Joe’s illness, and the many expressions of sympathy since his passing. They invite you to share a memory of Joe, or to send a message of support, by visiting www.csmico.com/obituaries
The Cremation Society of Mid-Illinois Co. Pekin/Peoria is assisting the family with arrangements.
To plant a tree in memory of Joseph Raymond "Joe" Cook, visit the Tribute Store.
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