Thomas Cook

December 10, 1939 - October 18, 2009

Thomas Cook, 69, of Rockford died at 10:35 pm on October 18, 09 in OSF St. Anthony Medical Center. Tom was born on December 10, 1939 in Rockford. Son of Howard and Marion (Davis) Cook. United in Marriage to Frances Taylor on June 18, 1960 at Zion Lutheran Church. Tom was devoted to his family, they share fond memories of time spent together, sharing stories and listening to the delivery of his never ending repertoire of jokes. He had a great sense of humor. Tom recently fulfilled a dream of opening a business with his wife and sister-in-law, “Mini’s On a Mission,” which funds local missionaries and other organizations. Tom was the driving force behind Hope Ministries. In the last year, he was able to travel to see his grandchildren in El Paso. Tom worked for Cassens Transportation as a truck driver and MedPlus as a patient bus driver. He is survived by his wife, Frances; son, Ty (Debbie) Cook of El Paso, TX; grandchildren, Billy, Matt, Lauren, Hannah and Abigail Cook; brothers James (Irene) Cook, John (Elly) Cook, sister, Marianne (Scott) Nelson; sister-in-law, Karlene (Jim) Irvin; nieces and nephews, Danielle Taylor, Kim Martin Irvin, Jason Irvin, Ben Irvin, Graham Nelson, Maralisa Cook; and many treasured friends. Preceded in death by his parents. A funeral will be held on Friday, October 23rd at 11 am at Heartland Community Church, 1280 South Alpine Road, Rockford, Rev. Doug Thiesen, officiant. Visitation will be from 6 – 8 pm on Thursday, October 22nd at Grace Funeral & Cremation Services, 1340 South Alpine Road, Rockford and at 10 am, until the time of the service at Heartland Community Church. Interment in Scandinavian Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made in Tom’s name to Hope Ministries. To leave an online condolence, please visit graceFH.com.