Joseph E. Cook

S. Milwaukee – Joseph E. Cook, formerly of Racine, passed away at the age of 87 in Willowcrest Care Center on February 20, 2015. He was born in Evanston, Illinois on September 26, 1927, son of the late Everett and Hazel (nee: Williams) Cook. Joseph enlisted into the Army Air Corps in 1945, and served honorably for 3 years. Joseph was a graduate of Quincy College, where he met the love of his life, Diane Rose Haas. They were married in Racine on March 31, 1951 in St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Diane preceded him in death on March 19, 2014.

Joseph enjoyed a lengthy career as the lead fleet mechanic for several school bus companies, beginning with Flash Transit and its successors. He retired from Durham Transportation in 2002. Joseph was passionate about football. In the early 1950’s he played for the Racine Raiders, and then for the next 40 years served as a defensive line coach for St. Catherine’s High School, encouraging kids to be all they could be. He was a defensive line coach for the Racine Raiders; and the Racine Gladiators (including their 1980 Championship Season). He also enjoyed watching the Bears and listening to the White Socks on the radio. He was an avid reader and enjoyed sitting around a campfire reading a good book. Joseph was also very creative and industrious, and had the ability to build or repair nearly anything, but mostly Joseph loved being with his wife and family.

Joseph is survived by his children, Theresa (Donald) Gandy of Sheboygan, Liane (David) Berg, Kevin (Sandy) Cook both of Racine, Kelli (Bill) O'Neil of Franklin, Joseph (Donna) Cook of Seattle, Washington, and Desiree (James) Davis of Racine; grandchildren, Nicole, Cameron, Travis, Courtney, Lauren, Michaela, Krystina, Kyle, Daniel, Joshua, Sydné, Carragan, Brandon, Tara, Andrea, Zachary, Caleb, many dear great grandchildren and nieces and nephews. He is further survived by his brothers, Thomas (Claudia) Cook of Indiana, Daniel (Mary Kay) Cook of Illinois; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Germaine Brigman of Racine, Bernadette (Al) Morrow of Sun Prairie, Marjorie Malko of Greenfield, Norman (Ruth) Haas of Waupun, Daniel (Marlene) Haas of Westfield, John (Loraine) Haas, Elaine Haas, Yvonne Haas and Lawrence Jansen all of Racine. Mr. Cook was also preceded in death by his grandson, Christian Michael Gandy; and his sister Ann Bennette, his brother-in-laws Gregory Haas, Gerard Haas, Richard Malko, sister-in-law Rosemary Jansen.

Family and friends are invited to meet at St. Richard of Chichester Catholic Church (1509 Grand Ave.) on Saturday, February 28, 2015 for a visitation from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. The celebration of his life and funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Ron Gramza officiating. A private interment will take place at Holy Family Cemetery. Memorials to Heartland Hospice, or St. Catherine’s High School have been suggested.

The Cook family is very grateful for Willowcrest Care Center and Heartland Hospice for going above and beyond expectations with the professional love and attention that was extended to Mr. Cook while under their care.