Michael T. Cook

On November 26, 2024, Michael T. Cook, aged 82, a devoted husband and father, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family. Mike was born on July 24, 1942, in Carbondale, Illinois, to Roscoe and Eleanor (Stilley) Cook. His family later relocated to Freeport, Illinois, where he graduated from Freeport High School in 1960. He continued his education at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois, earning his degree in History in 1965. Mike was an active member of Sigma Chi and remained close with fraternity brothers throughout his life.
On August 29, 1964, Mike married the love of his life, Judith M. Casey, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Freeport. Together they raised a son, Timothy, and a daughter, Carolyn. They were married for 60 wonderful years; he often expressed his gratitude for her, stating, "Judy, thank you for always being there for me."
Mike began his professional journey with the Sunbeam Corporation before transitioning to a position at Pitney Bowes. He then began an entrepreneurial period during which he and Judy established several successful businesses in downtown Freeport. This led him to a position with Country Companies, where he enjoyed an extremely successful career as an insurance agent and financial planner. It was a source of great pride and fulfillment for him to help his many customers plan for and realize their future goals. He was very proud of having the privilege of being entrusted to establish a foundation that continues to support several entities in the German Valley area.
During his lengthy career with Country Companies, he achieved the elite status of Master Agent for many years, a tremendous accomplishment. As part of this achievement, he was awarded many travel opportunities.
These wonderful trips inspired Mike and Judy to continue their travels across the country in their motor home. He and Judy explored all 50 states and numerous countries during their travels, visiting many Civil War battlefields and monuments along the way. A particular highlight was the 10,000-mile road trip through Canada and Alaska. Mike also enjoyed cruises, especially those on the Windjammer cruise line.
After his retirement from Country Companies, Mike realized his dream of building a lake house, where he and Judy enjoyed entertaining family and friends. Many will recall the wonderful 4th of July parties and golf outings, where Mike loved being the master of ceremonies. Mike also purchased a home in the Sebring, Florida area where he and Judy enjoyed many warm winters. Mike was a member of the Elks, Eagles, Lions, and Germania Clubs, where he enjoyed a wide circle of life-long friends.
Mike never met a dance floor he didn't like, and his moves rivaled those of Elvis. He loved playing poker, hunting, fishing, and golf, although the coveted hole-in-one remained elusive. He took pleasure in coaching basketball for both boys and girls, and relished watching his children and grandchildren participate in sports over the years. He was an avid fan of professional athletics, particularly the Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bulls, and Chicago Bears.
Among Mike's fondest memories was spending weekends with his family on a houseboat "The Dirty Dozen" moored at 9-Mile Island on the Mississippi River.
He is survived by his wife, Judy, son Tim (Patsy) Cook; daughter Dr. Carolyn (Dr. Erich) Awender; grandchildren Jessica (Adam Weaver) Cook, Erich (Samantha) Awender, Katya Awender (special friend Mike), Ana (Brady) Katzenberger, and Adam Awender, along with two great-grandchildren, Violet Weaver and Sunny Katzenberger; his sister Barb (Greg) Wienand; and their children Megan (Mike) Burke and Leslie (Jordan) Bloom, as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Services will take place at St. Thomas Aquinas Church on December 11th, with visitation from 9-11 am, followed by a funeral mass and luncheon at the O'Neill Center. A Celebration of Life will take place this summer at the Freeport Club. In lieu of flowers memorials has been established for Freeport Eagles Club #679 and Freeport Elks Lodge #617 in Mike's memory.
What a trip!