Cook, Gale E.

Gale E. Cook, 89, of Osage, formerly of Manly, died Saturday, May 5, 2012, at Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage. Graveside Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 12, at Urbana Cemetery with full military rites conducted by the Walter J. Meycoks American Legion Post #264 and Iowa Military Funeral Honors. There will be no visitation, according to his wishes. Phillips Funeral Homes in Vinton is in charge of arrangements.

Gale was born to Vernon and Pearl Cook on June 11, 1922, in Vinton, Iowa. The family moved to Manly and then later to Charles City, where he graduated from high school. He joined the Army Air Corps in October 1942, and was discharged May 1946, after serving in India and Burma.

Gale was united in marriage to Norma L. Hepker Aug. 9, 1947.

Gale was recalled to active duty October 1950, serving in Japan, the Philippines, Texas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Illinois and California, retiring August 1969. After the military, he worked for Procter & Gamble in California, and retired in 1984. Gale and Norma moved to the Lake of the Ozarks, Mo., living there 10 years before returning to Iowa. Norma died March 27, 1996.

Gale married Beverly Metzger in November 1997, and she died March 2002. He then married Nova Kobernusz in July 2003. They had recently moved to Apple Valley Assisted Living in Osage.

Gale was a life member of the American Legion and the VFW.

Gale is survived by his wife, Nova Cook of Osage; daughter, Carol (Kenneth) Patterson of Lafayette, Ind.; and three stepdaughters, Gloria (Alan) Ganshert of Osage, Racinda (Cindy) Metzger of Howell, N.J., and Ranita (Ron) Derocher of Westfield.

Also surviving are three grandchildren, Scott (Toni), Brett (Heather) and Krista Minton (Troy); three stepgrandchildren, Cassie, Cory and Ryan; and eight great-grandchildren, Christian, Tyler, Isaak, Ashlyn, Andrew, Luke, Dylan and Amelia.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at .

Published in The Gazette May 10, 2012.