Gerald "Jerry" Cook

A Celebration of Life for Jerry Cook will be held 10:00 A.M., Saturday, July 6, 2024, at Buehler Larson Funeral Home in Mandan.

Jerry, 81, of Mandan, died on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at his home. 

Gerald William Cook was born on September 14, 1942, in Billings, Montana to Susan (Krush) and Howard Cook. He was raised and educated in Absarokee, MT. He graduated from Absarokee High School where he played football and basketball. After high school, Jerry enlisted in the US Army. He served in Germany and was trained as a mechanic to work on Jeeps. He was honorably discharged from the US Army in February of 1967.

After his honorable discharge Jerry came to North Dakota where he worked for Scheels. During his time at Scheels he was transferred to stores in Billings and Great Falls, Montana. He returned to Bismarck in the late 1978 where he owned and operated Jerry’s Hardware in the Northbrook Mall.

Jerry was united in marriage to Judy Ridgeway on April 24, 1993, in Park County, Colorado. Together they made their home in Denver, Colorado. While in Colorado, he worked in sales in the hardware /paint industry. After their retirement, Jerry and Judy moved to Indian Mountain near Como, Colorado. In 2020, Jerry’s health prompted the couple to move to Saint George, Utah. While in Saint George, Judy passed away and Jerry decided to return to North Dakota.

Jerry enjoyed fishing and spending time in the mountains of Colorado. Even more he liked watching Broncos Football and drinking a cold beer.

Jerry will be remembered most for his amusing jokes and incredibly witty sense of humor.

He is survived by his children: Michael (Brenda) Cook and their sons Richard, Eric, Victor all of Albuquerque, NM; Paul (Angie) Cook and their daughter Kennedy all of Fargo; Ann (Travis) Thomas of Mandan and Ann’s children Morghan (Rhett) Piper, of Seattle, WA; Courtney (Dylan) Selzler of Bismarck; Hannah Selzler of Fargo; Calysta Geiger and Wyatt Geiger of Mandan. Step-children: Tina (Jim) Bertsch and their daughters Maggie and Madelyn all of Conifer, CO; Tonja (Liz) Ridgeway of Denver, CO; Thai (Deidre) Ridgeway and their children Austin (Jordan) Ridgeway, Logan Sampson, Joesph (Nell) Sampson-Stech all of Denver, CO, Aspen (Caden) Smith of Colorado Springs, CO. Four great-grandchildren; Brother: Larry (Conna) Cook of Bismarck. Sister-in-laws: Roberta Karr of Denver, Co; Pam (Danny) Heleen of Conifer, CO. As well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, son John, daughter Krista, wife Judy, and siblings Valerie (Jean) Barragan and Chester (Bucky) Cook.