Clear Lake, Iowa
CLEAR LAKE - Ronald "RC" D. Cooke Sr., 63, of 3 South 18th St., died Friday (Jan. 15, 2010) at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa, Mason City.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. today (Monday, Jan. 18), at Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. Fourth St., Clear Lake, with Pastor Dennis Hudson officiating.
Visitation was held from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel. Cremation services took place after visitation. Inurnment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City.
Memorials may be directed to the Ronald D. Cooke Memorial in care of Donna J. Cooke, 3 South 18th St., Clear Lake, IA 50428.
Ronald Dean Cooke Sr. was born on Nov. 5, 1946, in Clarion, the son of Robert and Genevieve (DeLano) Cooke. He graduated from Clarion High School 1964. He served in the National Guard from 1964-1968.
As a young teenager Ron began working in a café, later leading him to his career of managing and operating several businesses including the Bungalow Café, Forest City, Helen's Supper Club, Eagle Grove, Ron's Restaurant, Clarion, Happy Chef, Story City and Lakecrest Café, Clear Lake. Ron owned and operated the Pancake Inn, Mason City, Dart Drive Inn and Shady Beach, Clear Lake. He later managed Tropic Sun Fruit & Nut, Austin, Minn., and Capt. K's Ice Cream, Mason City, and owned Iowa Walk-In Connection.
Ron was united in marriage to Donna Fjelstad in 1967; to this union four children were born. Ron was united in marriage to Donna Jurgensen on June 28, 1991.
In his free time Ron enjoyed dancing and listening to his wife sing. His greatest love was spending time with family and friends.
Ron is survived by his wife, Donna Jurgensen-Cooke, Clear Lake; children Ron Jr. (Diane) Cooke, Minneapolis, Minn., Dan (Holly) Cooke, Clear Lake, Tami (Marcus) Willy, Winston Salem, N.C.; stepchildren Matthew (Michelle) Jurgensen, Clear Lake, Mark (Tammy) Jurgensen, Forest City, Jessica (Robbie) Pfeiffer, Dallas, Texas, Aaron (Christine) Jurgensen, Dallas, Texas; grandchildren, Addyson and Cooper Cooke and Ethan Willy; step-grandchildren, Joshua, Lucas and Madelynn Jurgensen, Michael, Brad, Jake, Zach and Haley Jurgensen, Olivia Pfeiffer, Lauren and Evan Jurgensen; great-grandson, Cayden Jurgensen; brother, Robert (Bernadine) Cooke, Belmond; sister, Carlene Cooke, Minneapolis, Minn.; father and mother-in-law, Robert and Maxine Ellis, brother-in-law Steve (Becky) Ellis, all of Stuart; along with several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Ronald is preceded in death by his parents, daughter Rhonda Cooke, brother Jerry Cooke and sister Beth Kluss.
Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. Fourth St. Clear Lake, 641-357-2193.
www.colonialchapels. com.
Donna And Family
So sorry for the lose of Ron.
I really enjoyed visiting with him on Sunday Mornings.
He most alwayes had something to visit about.
Sunday mornings will be different.
Bob Engebretson
Bob Engebretson
January 30, 2010 | Clear Lake, IA
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We hope that all the wonderful memories will help you through this time of sorrow.
Craig & Jodelle Nygaard
January 19, 2010 | Minneapolis, MN
To The Cooke Family:
I am sorry to hear of Ron's passing. I have not seen Ron since we graduated from Clarion High School in 1964, but he was one of my favorite classmates. He always had that cute smile, was fun and very high-energy, and was a definite people person. I'm not surprised that he found success as a business owner. My thoughts are prayers are with all of you.
Marlene (Blankenship) Grote
January 18, 2010 | Boyds, MD
May the family of RC find comfort in the fact that he was a good man. His hard work and ambition over many years was admired and respected by all that came in contact with him. I was fortunate to see him briefly 4-5 years ago after 30 years of lost contact. Very sorry for your loss and may God bless you. Don Stark (Hot Springs, AR; formerly Clarion, IA)
Don Stark
January 18, 2010 | Hot Springs, AR
Dear Donna and family:
So Sorry to hear about Ron's passing he will be missed and our thoughts are with all of you at a time like this. I remember your wedding back in 91, we had the dinner for you and ron at Kapt'n K . I've only seen ron a couple of times in the last few years, but he was still the same as I remembered him. I have to say there was never a dull moment working with him. Our prayers are with you all. Ann Fairchild and family, Fertile Iowa
January 18, 2010
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Tom Whelan
January 18, 2010 | Chandler, AZ
Donna and Family,
My deepest sympathy in the loss on Ron
we will keep you and your family in our prayer.
Ruth Brozek
January 18, 2010 | Kamrar, IA
To the family of "RC". I am very sad for your lose. "RC" is and will be deeply missed by many.
Bill Mayes
January 18, 2010 | Worland, WY
I am sorry to hear about your loss, my thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Cooke-Jurgensen family. I will always hold on to the memories of RC standing up singing at the Happy Heart with Craig Draves and George Medlin.
Love Always~
Jackie Riekens
January 17, 2010
