Dale Cook

With his calm and easy-going demeanor, Dale Cook had a way of drawing people near wherever he was. He was a true gentleman who was kind, compassionate, and thoughtful of others. Dale was a devoted family man whose wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were his greatest source of pride and joy. With the love of his life by his side, he experienced so many of the best things that life has to offer while creating a brilliant mosaic of memories that will be forever cherished by those whose lives he touched. A well respected member of the community he called home throughout his entire life, Dale will be deeply missed.

The Roaring Twenties were a vibrant time in American history. There was much to celebrate with the development of more affordable cars and conveniences like the washing machine and refrigerator while greats like Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb established baseball as America’s favorite past time. Nestled within this vibrant time was the year 1925 that brought great joy to one young couple from Plainwell, Michigan, as they were blessed with the birth of their healthy baby boy on October 18th. Baby Dale was the older of two boys born in Kalamazoo to his parents, Thurl & Bernice (Bryant) Cook, and he was raised in the family home alongside his brother, Kenneth. His father worked as a supervisor for the Department of Public Works while his mother focused her attention at home. Dale was a student at local schools, graduating from Plainwell High School in 1943.

During the early 1940s, the eyes of our nation were focused overseas as countless young servicemen and women were fighting for the preservation of freedom during WWII. With a desire to serve his country, Dale joined the Navy Seabees right after high school. While in the service he was in construction, building bridges and airstrips.

New and exciting changes were in store for Dale when he met the young girl who stole his heart. Her name was Mary, and they met on a blind date. Sparks flew, and after dating for only a short time they were married. Together they were blessed with four children, Kenneth Dale, Dalene, Denise, and Christine, although Kenneth only lived for one day. To support his family, Dale worked for the Department of Public Works just like his father did. He started out there as a meter reader but later worked his way up to supervisor. Dale remained there for over 30 years until he retired. Although his work kept him busy, he took the time to enjoy life with his family as well. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved camping on Pine Lake with his family. They started out in a popup, but they later graduated to a camper. Later in life when his children grew older and had families of their own, Dale was elated to become a grandfather. As an avid fisherman, he took great pride in teaching all of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren how to fish. Thanksgiving and Christmas were always spent as a family at his daughter’s house, and Dale was the one who was in charge of making the gravy.

Although nothing was of greater importance than his family, Dale also enjoyed many other things. He loved dogs and had them as pets when he was a boy. When his children were growing up they always had a dog, too. Dale’s greatest passion aside from his family was for the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and golfing, too. Dale liked bowling and playing cards, and he was a member of the Lions Club. As his friends and family can attest, there was no greater place on earth according to Dale than Plainwell Ice Cream. He loved getting their upside-down banana split best of all. When it came to music, Dale was country all the way. He was ever mindful of others and made a point to hand out birthday cards with a dollar bill fastened with masking tape inside.

To know Dale Cook was to love him as he was truly one of a kind in every way. He was a jokester who could always bring a smile to the face of everyone nearby. Nicknamed “Cookie” during his younger years, Dale was well known and respected in the community he loved. With a life that spanned times of war and times of peace, times of plenty and times of want, Dale created a shining legacy that will be proudly carried on by the generations who follow him.

Dale Cook of Plainwell died on December 21, 2012, at Life Care Center. Dale’s family includes his daughters: Dalene Murphy, Denise (Steve) Lewis, Christine (Ken) Carlson; five grandchildren; and four great grandchildren. Dale was preceded in death by his wife Mary; his parents: Thurl & Bernice Cook; his brother: Kenneth Cook; and son: Kenneth Dale Cook. Visit with his family and friends and view his life story film on Friday, December 28 from 4:00-7:00 at the Life Story Funeral Home, Plainwell; 120 Woodhams St. (685-5881). A funeral will be held on Saturday, December 29 at 11:00 a.m. at the same location. Please visit Dale’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory or photo and sign his memory book online before coming to funeral home. Memorial contributions can be made to the charity of your choice.