Gerald Cook

Gerald "Jerry" Cook, age 84, of 1559 E. Kings Road, Tomahawk, passed away Thursday, November 26, 2015 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. Jerry was born April 5, 1931 in Tomahawk to William and Grace (Schreiber) Cook. He graduated in 1949 from Tomahawk High School. Jerry was a 3 sport athlete at THS and signed with the Chicago White Sox as an infielder. He later went to work for National Container in Tomahawk and Colby. In 1953 he met a young teacher named JoAnn "Joanie" Wanke, they were married on January 2, 1954 in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. After several moves, Jerry and Joan moved back to Tomahawk in 1962 where he started a business called Tomahawk Outdoor Products. He also worked for Green Bay Packaging and later Tomahawk Power and Pulp where he served as mill manager until his retirement in 1990. Jerry was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, and had been a youth basketball coach for St. Mary's for many years. He enjoyed golfing, hunting, fishing, traveling, and Sunday pontoon rides on the river with his family. Jerry was an excellent craftsman and enjoyed making wood carvings and furniture for his grandchildren. He was their biggest fan and attended many sporting events and cherished the countless trips to DQ and Dog N Suds. Survivors include: Wife, Joan Children, Robert (Karen Pintar) Cook Rhinelander William (Annette Pintens) Cook Hudson Carie (Scott) Binger Columbus, Ohio Joanne (John) O'Connell Ashwaubenon, WI Jerry is further survived by 14 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Wilma Smith. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Monday, November 30, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. from St. Mary Catholic Church. Fr. Louis will officiate. Friends may call at the Krueger Family Funeral Home Sunday starting at 4:00 p.m. and concluding at 7:00 p.m. with a parish vigil service. Friends may also call at the church Monday morning from 10 a.m. until the time of mass at 11:00 a.m. You may view Jerry's obituary and share online condolences at kruegerfamilyfuneral.com