Dr. Robert S. Cook

1929 - 2016

Cook, Dr. Robert S

Dr. Robert S. Cook, Green Bay, passed away peacefully on September 27, 2016.

Bob was born on November 25, 1929 to Sewell and Marlea (Thayer) Cook in Unity, WI. He grew up on the Cook farm, where he first developed his love for animals, nature, and education. He had many fond memories of his early years in Unity, including family gatherings, school activities, and especially lifelong friendships.

After high school, Bob attended the University of WI, Stevens Point where he received undergraduate degrees in Natural Resources and Biology. He then entered the U.S. Marine Corps and was stationed in Quantico, Va. While there, he met a fellow marine, Anna D. Mazzella. Bob and Anna were married in New Canaan CT, Anna's hometown, in 1953.

Following their military service, they moved to Rothschild, WI where Bob briefly worked as a Lab Technician for American Can. Their eldest son, Bradford Lee Cook, was born there in 1954. Bob and family soon moved to Madison, WI where he pursued his career and education interests, working with the University of WI and then the Department of Natural Resources, while completing his Masters degree in Wildlife Ecology. Bob and Anna's next moves took them to Appleton, Ashland, and Superior, WI, where Bob's positions with the YMCA included Executive Secretary and Camp Director. Their second son, Robert B. Cook, was born in Ashland, WI. Moving his family then to Green Bay, WI, Bob taught Biology at Preble High School until 1963 when he decided to return to UW Madison and complete and receive his PhDs in Veterinary Science and Wildlife Ecology. In 1966 they returned to Green Bay where Bob was a Professor of Environmental Science at UWGB. In 1977 Bob accepted a position as the Deputy Director of the US Fish and Wildlife Service in Washington DC. In 1981 Bob and Anna moved to Fort Collins, Colorado where he was the Head of the Fishery and Wildlife Department at Colorado State University. Bob and Anna retired in 1993 and moved back to Green Bay, WI to spend time with family and friends.

Bob's studies, jobs, and life experiences, truly reflect his great love of wildlife and our natural resources. He had a passion for the great outdoors and the beauty and recreation it provides. He was thankful for the opportunities he had to travel and share experiences with many colleagues and friends across the United States and worldwide. He treasured what he learned from others and freely shared his knowledge in classrooms, publications, committee participation and travels.

Bob is survived by his son, Robert B. (Bob) and his wife Kitty Cook, Green Bay and their daughters Jessica Cook, Santa Fe, NM and Andrea (Annie) Cook, Madison, WI; grandson Timothy R. Cook and Kristy, Litchfield, MN and their children Morgan, Devon and Aubrey; sisters-in-law, Sandy DeAsi, New Canaan, CT, and Nancy Mazzella, Norwalk, CT; brother-in-law Nick Chamulak, New Canaan, CT, and many cousins, nieces and nephews on the Cook and Mazzella sides of the family.

Bob is preceded in death by his wife, Anna Cook; their son Brad; brother Ray and wife Nancy Cook; brothers-in-law Charles, Freddie and Andy Mazzella and Mel DeAsi and sisters-in-law Rose Chamulak, Jeannette Mazzella, Vincenza Mazzella, and Carmelia (Millie) Warzinski.

Most sincere thanks and God's blessings to Bob's caregivers over the past several years at Brook View Meadows in Howard, WI and more recently at Alpha Senior Concepts in Suamico, WI. He was treated with love, dignity and respect by so many loving people. A special thanks as well to the Heartland Hospice staff of NE WI who were most helpful during the last few weeks of Bob's life.

A memorial service will be held at Green Bay Community Church, 600 Cardinal Lane, Howard, WI 54313 on Saturday November 12th at 3:00 p.m. Donations can be made online to the Heartland Hospice Memorial Fund. At: heartlandhospicefund.org/donate