John Cook

JOHN COOK

Monticello

John W. Cook, 74, died Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2014, at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy, Hiawatha, following an extended illness. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 24, at Sacred

Heart Catholic Church, Monticello, with interment in Oakwood Cemetery, with military honors. Friends may call from 2 until 6 p.m. Sunday at Goettsch Funeral Home, Monticello, where a parish vigil service will be held at 2 p.m., and also after 10 a.m. Monday at the church.

Thoughts, memories and condolences may be left at www.goettschonline.com.

Surviving are his wife of 50 years, Rose; four children, Victor (Marcia) Kray, Monticello, Stephanie (Patrick) Donaldson, Atlanta, Ga., Johnny (Patrice) Cook, Dubuque, and Travis (Janeen) Cook, Cedar Rapids; a son-in-law, Scott Breslow, Atlanta, Ga.; 10 grandchildren, Parker Kray, Erika, Krystal, Cole Donaldson, Micaela, Corina and Hannah Cook, Alyssa Chapman, Samantha Breslow and Tanner Fellinger; two great-grandchildren, Kevin and Elliot Chapman; and his siblings, Elizabeth Heims and Shirley (Gary) Toenjes, both of Anamosa, and Leo (Janet) Cook and Stanley (Roberta) Cook, both of Monticello.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a daughter, Ginny Breslow, in August 2001.

John William Cook was born April 20, 1940, in Urbana, Iowa, the son of Martin and Bernita Takes Cook. He graduated from the Buck Creek Consolidated Schools in 1958. John joined the Iowa National Guard and was a member of the 234th Signal Battalion, achieving the rank of sergeant. He married Rose Rieniets Kray on Oct. 16, 1964, in Independence, Iowa.

John was best known for his long career in law enforcement. He was a graduate of the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy in Des Moines. John worked as an officer in Monticello until becoming police chief in 1968. He served as police chief for 7 1/2 years then was elected as Jones County sheriff in 1976. John was elected for five terms, serving 20 years as the sheriff of Jones County. In retirement he worked as a youth counselor for Four Oaks.

John served on many boards and committees, including Civil Defense, Crime Commission, Communication Commission, the Hoover Health Council and Monticello Ambulance director.

John loved his family and taking great care of their acreage west of Monticello before moving into town. He enjoyed visiting the casinos, watching football and spending time with his wife, Rose.

John's extended career in law enforcement touched many lives. He loved helping others and had great pride in his community and county.