Alvin Cook

ALVIN COOK

Cedar Rapids

Alvin Owen Cook, 92, of Cedar Rapids, died peacefully Friday, July 8, 2016, at Mercy Medical Center. The night before his passing, he looked at the large gathering of his loving family around him and said, "Wow, what a way to go! It feels like Christmas."

Alvin was born Sept. 6, 1923, to Alvin Hiram and Cloa Cleotta (Walters) Cook. He was raised in Riverside, a suburb of Sioux City, Iowa. Alvin worked on construction of the Alaska Highway with Lytle & Green Construction after graduating from high school. He was employed as a "barracks boy," cleaning and making up beds after the guys went to work. The log cabin where they slept was originally a radio station during World War I. Alvin joined the Army during World War II. He then worked as a painter at Wincharger in Sioux City and at Dalmo Victor in California.

He was first married to Nellie Mae Talbott in 1944, but they divorced. From this marriage, he is survived by two sons, William Cook and Larry (Marlene) Herbst; six grandchildren, William (Misti) Cook, Cynthia (Jim) Fuqua, Matthew (Katherine) Herbst, Erin (Stephan) Strong, Joshua Herbst and Katie (E. James) Clark; and 12 great-grandchildren.

He moved to South Dakota and co-owned a paint store. During this time, he met Betty Jane Nichols, the love of his life. After marriage, he worked for Armour Packing in Sioux City and graduated from Sioux City Iowa Tech as a detailed draftsman. They moved to Cedar Rapids in 1965. He became a draftsman for Link Belt Speeder (which became FMC Corp.). He later was employed by the Cedar Rapids Community School District.

Alvin and Betty were married for 62 years, having wed on Sept. 5, 1953. They cherished their time together. They enjoyed dancing and spending time with their boys. They were actively involved in activities, such as Boy Scouts, church groups and many family camping trips. Alvin had learned to play the violin at a young age, and then guitar. His passion for music inspired each of his boys to take music lessons. The whole family enjoyed many hours of playing together. Alvin was a talented woodworker. He took many photographic slides documenting his family's life, and he enjoyed researching his family genealogy. He was fond of vanilla ice cream and root beer. He was never without a pocketknife in his pocket.

Alvin will be missed by his wife, Betty; sons, Dr. Bradley (Loriann) of Marengo, James (Marcia) of Solon, Mark (Tim Egesdal), David (Sheri) and Karsten (Kendra), all of Cedar Rapids; 13 grandchildren, Dr. Joshua (Cassidy), Amanda (Dr. Richard) Schumacher, Chad (Katrina) Yanna, Nathan (Kelsey), Katie Schumacher, Andrew, Austin, Richard Auchus, Theresa (Joshua) Smith, Shelby, Lydia, Karis and Kaleb; seven great-grandchildren, River Cook, Chloe, Connor, Cole and Carlee Carney, Poet Cook and Zachary Schumacher.

He was first a member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church and later of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

A private family celebration was held for Alvin. Memories were shared of his love for family, his happy disposition and overall love of life. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend.

Inurnment will be at a later date. Arrangements by Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids.

A memorial fund has been established in Alvin's name.

Please share your support and memories with Alvin's family on his tribute wall at www.stewartbaxter.com under obituaries.