William F. ‘Bill’ Cook

He was born on September 29, 1943 in Escanaba, son of William and Veronica (Shomin) Cook. Bill has been a lifelong resident of Escanaba and graduated from Holy Name High School in 1961.

Bill served in the U.S. Navy from 1961 until his honorable discharge in 1964. Over the years, he always enjoyed attending the naval ship get-togethers and reuniting with those longtime friends.

On May 29, 2004, Bill married Susan Marie Godin at St. Anne’s Church in Escanaba.

He worked at the paper mill for 34 years in the maintenance department, retiring on June 1, 2002.

Bill loved hunting, fishing, and spending time at his cottage in Stonington. He enjoyed his time “cleaning” the garage and was always tinkering with something, as he truly was a jack of all trades. He was a proud grandpa who loved attending all of the sporting events and activities for his grandchildren. Bill was an avid Green Bay Packers fan and always enjoyed playing cards and having a cocktail.

He was a member of St. Anne’s Church, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and Elks Lodge 354.

Among survivors are his wife, Sue of Escanaba; children, Bill “BJ” (Mary) Cook of Escanaba, Tammy (Steve) Chaillier of Escanaba, Desmond (Nicky) Schultz of Gladstone, Amy (Jason) Churchill of Saginaw, David (Jill) Schultz of Petosky, Jodi (Tony) Punzel of Escanaba, and Ernie Abel of Escanaba; grandchildren, Ashley (Matt) Rollin, Carley (Lewis) Ostrander, Tyler Cook, Lexi Chaillier, Paige Chaillier, Cole Williams, Ella Williams, Nala Schultz, Norah Schultz, Desmond “Little D” Schultz, Grant Churchill, Tommy Churchill, Stosh Schultz, Addie Schultz, Maggie Schultz, Kelsie (Mitch) Kleiman, Brandon (Chloe Caswell) Punzel, Brooke (Hunter) Punzel, and Abel and Gabriel; great-grandchildren, Lennox Rollin, Hudson Rollin, Scarlett Kleiman, Dax Kleiman, and baby Beau, who was born on the same day that Grandpa Bill went to heaven. He is also survived by his siblings, Judy Erickson, Jim Cook, Susan Keldson, and Mary Shreve, in addition to many other loving extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandma, Mary “Mame” Cook; parents, Bill and Veronica; and wives, Diane (Creten) Cook and Karen (Malmstead) Cook.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 6 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Crawford Funeral Home, 302 S. 13th St., Escanaba. The funeral service will follow at 5 p.m. with Deacon Mike LeBeau officiating.

Burial will take place in Holy Cross Cemetery next to his first wife, Diane. Military honors will be conducted by the Delta County Veterans Council and the Navy Funeral Honor Guard Team.

In lieu of flowers, other expressions of sympathy may be directed to Bill’s family and a memorial will be established at a later date.

The family would like to express their appreciation to OSF Hospice nurse, Carrie Youngs, for the special care (with humor) she provided to Bill, as well as hospice chaplain, Deacon Mike LeBeau, for the prayers and support shown to Bill and his family.

A message of condolence may be directed online to the family by visiting www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net.

The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting with the arrangements.