Cook, Larry

Larry Cook, 72, of Rockford, Ill., formerly of Manchester, Iowa, died Thursday, Dec. 8, 2011, at home with his family and partner by his side. Cremation services will be accorded.

Larry was born May 9, 1939, in Delaware County, Iowa, the son of Forrest and Irene (Rossow) Cook. He was educated in Delaware County schools graduating from Manchester High School in 1956. He entered the U.S. Navy in 1957 and was honorably discharged in 1966.

He was married to Sharon DeLancey March 29, 1959, in Manchester. They lived in Maryland, California, Japan and the Washington D.C. area before returning to Delaware County in 1968. Larry retired from the U.S. Postal Service in Chicago in 1993, after 24 years of service. He held many postal positions in and around Manchester.

He moved to Chicago in 1987 and later to Rockford in 1998.

Survivors include three children, Eric L. Cook of Davenport, Melanie M. Mead (Craig) of North Liberty, and Keith D. Cook (Becky) of Mineral Point, Wis. Larry has seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Ronald.

Larry volunteered for the Edgar Cayce ARE group and other non-profit, charitable organizations. He attended and did volunteer work at the Christ Church Unity of Rockford, Manchester Drive, Rockford, Ill.

Local services at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Christ Church Unity, Manchester Drive, Rockford, Ill. Graveside services for close family at Oakland Cemetery in Manchester, at a later date.

Our family would like to thank caregiver Michael Diventi, Northern Illinois Hospice and Grief Center for the stellar level of care they gave to Larry and our family.

Memorials to the charity of your choice.

Arrangements completed by Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Riverside Chapel.

Express online condolences at .

Published in The Gazette Dec. 12, 2011.