Harold D. Cook

Harold D. Cook passed away on October 21, 2025, at the age of 95 years. Harold was a long-time resident of Wheaton, Illinois. He subsequently lived for several years at Windsor Park, Carol Stream with his loving wife Elizabeth.

Harold was born October 7, 1930, in Rio Caribe, Venezuela to Harold R. and Florence Cook who were Christian missionaries. In August 1936, Harold became ill, and the family was advised to return to the United States.

After living for a year in Orlando, Florida, Harold's dad accepted an offer to teach at a new school in Los Angeles, California, which later became Westmont College. While Harold attended schools in California, he developed a lifelong interest in photography and science.

In 1944, Harold's dad began to teach at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, Illinois. The family settled in Wheaton, Illinois where Harold spent his youth and adult life. Harold attended Wheaton Community High School and together with his two best friends engaged in chemistry experiments, radio repair, and photographic processing.

Harold played football and ran track, becoming the co-captain of the track team. Central to his experiences and formation, Harold attended College Church and became quite active in the high school youth group (HYACKS).

Following high school, Harold attended Wheaton College and graduated in 1952 with a degree in physics. He went on to the University of Illinois for graduate work, and while there he met Elizabeth (Liz) Oakes.

In September 1954, Harold was drafted into the Army and became a Morse code radio operator. During a leave before being shipped out to Korea, he visited Liz at her family's farm, about 150 miles southwest of Wheaton. They became happily engaged on November 23, 1955.

Harold arrived back home from Korea in September 1956 and was reunited with Liz who was now teaching high school home economics in Wheaton. He began a job at Teletype Corporation in research and development, and he remained there until retirement in 1989.

Harold and Liz were married on Saturday, November 24, 1956 by his ordained father at the Methodist Church in Laura, IL. Over the next several years, they were blessed with four children.

In 1969, Harold helped design a colonial style house in Wheaton on Elm Street, which became the family home for 45 years. His years-long interest in history and genealogy culminated in the writing of 23 volumes on Harold's and Liz's families.

Having joined in high school, Harold remained active in College Church serving in several positions. Harold also taught the Forum 15 adult Sunday school class for 35 years, which he regarded as one of the most rewarding experiences of his life.

In 2015, Harold & Liz sold their house and moved into a spacious apartment at Windsor Park where they spent many happy years. Then it became time to relocate within the Windsor Park community to Assisted Living, which occurred in March of 2024.

Harold will be remembered for his love of Jesus Christ and his family, his willingness to serve, his faithfulness, honesty, and generosity, and his sense of humor and storytelling. He greatly enjoyed singing hymns and playing the piano, and his interest and expertise in photography, science, history, comic books, Dad's Root Beer, and Dairy Queen are legendary.

Harold is survived by his spouse of nearly 69 years, Elizabeth (Oakes) Cook. Surviving children are James (Becky) Cook, Cathy "Cookie" Cook, Ed (Angela) Cook, and Bruce (Aryanne) Cook. Surviving grandchildren are Emma (Nate) Vogel, Sarah (Justin) Bertsche, Rachel (Drew) Ibach, Theo Cook, Elissa (Tim) Lindwall, Laura (Michael) Sutton, Justin Cook, and 13 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held in the Commons at College Church, 332 E. Seminary Ave., Wheaton, IL 60187, on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. Burial will be private at Wheaton Cemetery.

Memorial gifts may be directed to the College Church Missions Fund.

Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.