IN THE PAST

What happened in the past

In Memory of loved ones that have passed on

 

In The Past, August

 

Back to the front page

 

September 30

 

David McCarthy holding a picture of the old Northern American building in it's later years

1995, 30 Sep, the old Northern American Evergreen Christmas Roping and Wreath Company building was burned by the Cook Fire Department. This company had been out of business for many years. It was owned by Marge Wilkinson 96,2005. The Ashawa Chapel is now located on this site.

 

1989, 30 Sep, Lloyd Tibbetts 83

Wife:

   Adelyne (Shively, Tibbetts) Stinchfield 90, 2002

Children:

   Lloyd Tibbetts Jr. 1935

Adelyn's neices & Nephew;

   Gwili & Norbert 63,1995 Brunner,

   Melia 43,1979 & Lewis Ohmann,

   Karen & Loren 56,1991 Lind,

   Thomas Bialke.

 

1994, 30 Sep, Ruth (Friberg) Fillmore 84

Husband:

   Charles Fillmore 78, 1983

Children:

   Anna,

   Phillip 10, 1944,

   Eva,

   Lois,

   Priscilla,

   Susan

 

1999, 30 Sep, Marian Shuster 68

Husband:

   Henry 79, 1998

Children:

   Roxanne,

   Cindy,

   Bruce,

   Michael.

 

 

In Memory of

Barbara Soderberg Russell

Cook High School Class of 1953

2004, 30 Sep., Barbara Russell 69

Husband;

   Charles Russell
Children;

   Rick & Sheila Russell,

   Charlie & Sara Russell,

   Randy Russell.

Parents;

   Nils 69, 1955 & Esther 68, 1962 (Rosen) Soderberg
Siblings;

   Elsie 90,2006 & Mark Turner,

   Mildred 92,2009& Joe 67, 1987 Gobats,
   Laura 76, 1995 & Albert 73, 1986 Kmett,

   Bonnie 59, 1980 & Leonard 93,2011 Johnson,

   Wendel Soderberg 70, 1992,

   Earl 69, 1994 & Dorothy 59, 1987 (Hassenger) Soderberg,

   Barbara 69,2004 & Charles Russell

Barb's family still living in Cook are Bailey Conger and Tom Soderberg.
 

 

In Memory of

Bruce "Brae Pattenn" Patten

Orr High School, Class of 1955

2009, 30 Sep., Bruce Patten 72

Wife:

   Rae Patten 72,2005

Children:

   Tyae Patten,

   Timon & Janice Patten,

   Tara & Al Monk,

   Toraise Fratzke.

Parents:

   Wayne 72,1983 & Myrna 77,1991 Patten

Sibling:

   Bruce,

   Patricia 64,2005

 
 

September 29

 

2000, 29 Sep, Margaret (Johanson) Folkedahl 79

Husband:

   Nels Folkedahl 75

Children:

   Karen 72,2010,

   Sandra 68,2007,

   David,

   Richard 66,2009,

   Donna & Frank Parzyck,

   Dayle,

   Vern Neil.

 

In Memory of

Helen Marie Shuster

2009, 29 Sep., Helen (Udovich) Shuster 82

Husband:

   Thomas Shuster 80,1991

Children:

   Thomas & Ann Shuster,

   Jerry & Amy (Cable) Shuster,

   James & Judy (Warzonek) Shuster,

   Albert & Laura (Eddy) Shuster,

   Jeanne & Mark Christianson.
 

September 28

 

1958, 28 Sep, dedication of the new addition to the Cook School. This included the new gymnasium, the present south entrance and the offices. This building is now vacant, as of 2012.

 

1964, 28 Sep, the first Federal Forestry office opened in Cook. It was located in the house that was the home of Wilho & Bernice Gustafson. In 1966 the office was moved to the old Coopers Café building on the Main Street. In 1974 to the old Miller/Clark’s IGA building. Last to their new log building on Highway 53, in 1992.

 

1959, 28 Sep, Robert Jorgenson Sr. 38

Wife:

   Mary (Petman) Jorgenson 61, 1991

Children:

   Sue,

   Robert Jr “Bob”,

   Priscilla,

   Gloria,

   Chester,

   Sonja. 

 

In Memory of

 

 Vernon Lappi

Class of 1956

1970, 28 Sep, Vern Lappi 32

Wife:

   Betty (Pauna) Lappi

Children:

   Jeff,

   Beverly,

   Bonnie

Parents:

   August 66, 1963 & Irene 58, 1966 (Kesanen) Lappi

Siblings:

   Ronald,

   Gary,

   Kenneth,

   Leslie 70, 1994,

   Viola 31, 1957,

   Peggy 16, 1950,

   Richard 0, 1935,

   Vernon 33, 1970 & Verona,

   Robert & Roger,

   Howard,

   Carolyn,

   Joan.

 

1997, 28 Sep, David Raymond 35

Wife:

   Lisa (Jacobson, Raymond) Ojanen

Children:

   Ryan Raymond,

   Justin Raymond

Parents:

   William & Etta (Kraemer) Raymond

Siblings:

   Lonny,

   William Jr,

   Steve,

   Mark,

   Keven,

   John,

   Lauri,

   Susie,

   David.
 

September 27

 

1989, 27 Sep, the main lodge of the Vos Resort was destroyed by fire. This Resort was owned by Marvin & Jeanette Vos, then their daughter Marcia and son-in-law Don Price. It is now known as the White Eagle Resort which is owned by Mike & Bonnie Lantry.


1995, 27 Sep, Gunnar Bakk 90

Wife:

   Martha (Olson) Bakk 83, 1991

Children:

   Roger,

   Merrill,

   Gloria.

Parents:

   Jacob “Jack” 58, 1938 & Hannah 81, 1964 (Bertels) Bakk.

Siblings:

   Gunnar,

   Arthur 76, 1988 & Doris (Forsline) Bakk,

   Alice* & Edward Midura,

   Ralph 84, 2001 & Juneth 89,2009 (Ojard) Bakk,

   Myrtle 82,2001 & George 2007 Davidson,

   Alarik & Willie 81,2007 (Bierwirth) Bakk,

   Melvin & Audrey (Schelde) Bakk,

   Clarence 85,2011 & Anneli (Tervonen) Bakk.
 

September 26

 

1958, 26 Sep, the Cook News Herald moved from the building shown above to their present location. Their present building was constructed as the new Sorvari grocery store in 1954. The Cook News Herald had been located in what later became the Vermilion Small Engine building, which was owned by Larry & Becky Barnes. The Cook Building Center now owns this old building.


1963, 26 Sep, John Nylund 63

   Clara (Lower) Nylund 90, 1999

Siblings:

   Donald "Donuts" & Shirley 78,2008 Nylund,

   Marilyn & Gene Jenkins,

   Char & Lewis "Bud" Bystrom,

   John Jr & Kathy Nylund,

   Jacqueline & Warren Bradbury.

 

1990, 26 Sep, Ted Perkio 76

Wife:

   Irene (Jacobson) Perkio 76, 1996

Children:

   Erland,

   Adrian & Zona (LeMoine) Perkio,

   Dennis 65,2011 & Patricia (Koskovich) Perkio,

   Bruce & Tena 51, 2003 (Wooster) Perkio

 

1999, 26 Sep, James Johnson 63

Wife:

   Loretta (Jacobson) Johnson

Children:

   Sherri

Parents;

   Gust 55,1967 & Irene 78,1993 (Balgaard) Johnson.

Siblings;

   James 61,1999 & Loretta (Jacobson) Johnson,

   Ronald 73,2010 & Judy Johnson,

   Wesley 61, 2001 & Rosanne Johnson,

   Janice Johnson 24,1966,

   Donna 56,1999 & John Isaacson,

   Shirley 50,1995 & Roy 58, 1999 Schulze.

 

1999, 26 Sep, Maureen (Dantes) Vidmar 47

Husband:

   Michael Vidmar

Children:

   Michael Jr,

   Michelle.

Parents:

   Harry & Iva 75, 2002 (Cheney) Dantes

Siblings:

   Gary,

   Harry,

   Deborah,

   Maureen.

In Memory of

 

Linda Nadine Niemi,

Class of 1962

2001, 26 Sep., Linda Niemi, Vezina, Lokken 56

Husband:

   Stanley Vezina 33,1977

Children;

   Dale,

   Eileen,

   Aaron.

Parents: Paul 67,1975 & Tyne 82,2004 (Kujansu) Niemi

.

2005, 26 Sep, Henry Halvorson 88

Wife;

   Margaret 68,1993

Siblings:

   Helen Nukala 90, 2006. 
 

September 25

.

 

1949, 25 Sep, the new Mission Covenant Church building was dedicated. Their old church building was later used by the Hospital Auxiliary, for their Thrift Shop. That building is now owned by Cook Lion's Club for storage of items to be sold at their annual million dollar sale.

 

1969, 25 Sep, Lofgren’s old general store was torn down to make room for a trailer house and a parking area. It was located between Picek’s old rental and the Auxilary building which is now the Lion's Club storage building.

 

In Memory of

 

Warner Walter Pihlaja

2003, 25 Sep., Warner Pihlaja 87

Wife:

   Agnes (Anscomb) Pihlaja

Children:

   Dennis & Gabriele Pihlaja,

   Dianna & Norman Heinonen.
 
 

September 24

 

1957, 24 Sep, Village of Cook residents voted to bond the Village to build the new Cook Comunity  Hospital. We need to remember there have been people with foresight in Cook over the years. Without this vote we may not have the hospital today.

 

1964, 24 Sep, Ronald & Rosemary Hokkanen bought Julius Fadum’s Hardware. They sold to Mike Picek & Russ Pascuzzi who renamed it the R & M Hardware.  Tim & Jackie Picek bought out Russ and renamed it the Hometown Hardware. Later yet Picek’s bought the Makela building and moved their Hometown Hardware across the street, they traded buildings. Picek's sold to Gary Hadersbeck. This building is now the Scenic Rivers Dental Clinic.

 

1970, 24 Sep, the old Musech store buildings were being torn down to make room for the a new building which opened in 1971. John & Verdella Musech sold to Clark & Barb Brenna. The new store building was destroyed by fire on February 10, 2003. The two-story building to the far left was the Fadum Hardware which Ronald & Rosemary Hokkanen bought, see above.

.

1973, 24 Sep, the Cook Lions Club was organized, Jack Whiteside was the first President. This is a very active service organization in our town.

.

1993, 24 Sep, The Northern Farmers Co-op store went out of business. The building was vacant for over a year except for the Credit Union office. The building was destroyed by fire on 4 Oct 1994. The Co-op store was located where the Cook Area Credit Union is now.

 

1968, 24 Sep, Wilfred Pauna 23

Parents:

   Edward 84, 1988 & Mary 66, 1978 (Nelson) Pauna

Siblings:

   Fred Pauna 09.1940,

   Harry Pauna,

   Melvin Pauna 33,1965,

   Lloyd Pauna 57, 1993,

   Wilfred Pauna 23,1968,

   Walter Pauna 09,1961,

   Betty & Vern 32,1970 Lappi.

.

1982, 24 Sep, Alphonse “Al” Falk 86

Wife:

   Selma (Gustafson) Falk 86, 2002

Children:

   Ernest & Ione (Skraba, Johnson) Falk,

   Doris & Roger Lappi.

.

1983, 24 Sep, John Skraba 88

Wife:

   Ursula 89, 1988 (Babich) Skraba

Children:

   John “Jack” 72, 1998 Skraba,

   Richard 67, 2000 & Marie (Lundeen) Skraba,

   Dennis & Joyce Skraba,

   Donald & Janice Skraba.

 

In Memory of

Allen George Skur

Class of 1959

2002, 24 Sep. Allen Skur 61

Wife:

   Irene (Walsh) Skur

Children:

   Sherry,

   Kristine,

   Lori,

   Carlyn,

   Jeff.

Parents:

   George 81,1987 & Alice 87,1997 (Johnson) Skur

Siblings:

   Allen 61,2002,

   Janet & Harvey Wilder,

    Norman & Faith (Svedberg) Skur.

 

In Memory of

Terrance Gustav Lund

2006, 24 Sep., Terry Lund 47

Wife

 Kathleen Bishop Lund

Children

 Tyler Lund

Parents

 Ernie 66,2003 & Shirley (Parson) Lund

Sibling

  Walter Tobias "Tobie" Lund

 
September 23

1981, 23 Sep, IRRRB removed the fire damaged house that was once owned by Mordini and last by Leonard Richards. This house was located where the entry is now for the new (current) Post Office. The house was located next to the Brown Building. Two other houses located on what is now the Post Office land had burned within a year before.

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1973, 23 Sep, Albert Anderson 68

Wife:

   Myra 79, 1989 (Huseby) Anderson

Children:

   Louise & Bill 74,2008 Trygg,

   Roger & Janet (Seiffert) Anderson,

   Ronald 53, 1989 & Eva (Fillmore) Anderson.

 

In Memory of

1955 graduate of the Cook High School

1989, 23 Sep, Ronald Albert Anderson 53

Wife:

   Eva (Fillmore) Anderson

Children:

   Kathy,

   Steven,

   Jonathan,

   Eric,

   Charles.

Parents:

   Albert Anderson 68, 1973 & Myra 79, 1989 (Huseby) Anderson

Siblings:

   Louise & Bill 74,2008 Trygg,

   Roger & Janet (Seiffert) Anderson,

   Ronald 53, 1989 & Eva (Fillmore) Anderson.

.

2002, 23 Sep. Martin Katzenberger 72

Wife:

   Mae Katzenberger 76,2009

Children:

   Sharon & Bill Stoddard,

   Donna & George Aune,

   Dwayne & Ann Katzenberger,

   Glen & Jill Katzenberger.

 

In Memory of

Gust Stone

2007, 23 Sep. Gustav "Sonny" Stone 82

Wife:

   Lorraine (Bristol) Stone 78,2007

Children:

   Jody & Richard Luecken,

   Peter & Susan (Mihm) Stone,

   Bettina Luecken,

   Stuart Stone.           

.

2008, 23 Sep. Carole Metsa 60

Husband:

   Roger Metsa

Children:

   Adam & Gretchen (Hanson) Metsa

Parents:

   Leland 37,1961 & Eda Hugger

Siblings:

   Richard & Fawn Hugger,

   Carole & Roger,

   Barb & Vic Phillips.
 

September 22

.

 

The Cook Lion's Club bldg, formerly the Thrift Shop

1966, 22 Sep, the Cook Hospital Auxiliary bought the old Mission Covenant Church building for their Thrift Shop. This building is now used by the Cook Lion's Club for storage for their annual yard sale. The Auxiliary constructed a new building east of the Lutheran Church

.

1973, 22 Sep, George Frances Jr 49

Wife:

   Betty (Fosburgh) Frances 47, 1975

Children:

   George Frances III,

   Blake & Barb Frances,

   Dane & Ann Frances.

Parents:

   George Sr. 81, 1965 & Myrtle 90, 1989 (Hocking) Frances

Siblings:

   Marion,

   George Jr.,

   Helen,

   Robert,

   Charlotte.

 

In Memory of 

Jon Thomas Nieters
Class of 1978

1979, 22 Sep, Jon Nieters 20

Parents:

   William II 73,2008 & Marilyn (Sorokie) Nieters

Siblings:

   William III,

   Jon 18,1979,

   James.

 

1986, 22 Sep, Violet Matala Nakari 80

Husband:

   George Nakari 68,1973

Children:

   Georgene "Ginger" & Richard Kreeger,

   Kenneth & Judy Nakari.

 
 

September 21

 

1990, 21 Sep, the Edwards Lucky Seven Convenience Store opened for business. This location was the site of the first gasoline service station on the new highway 53 after it passed through Cook, in 1931. The first owner was Martin Martinson. Later owners were; Ted Autio, Wayne Stenbeck, Tony Ruper and the Range Co-op, The service station Lessees were; Russell Hietala who came to Cook from Meadowlands, Sulo and Ruth Jacobson acquired the lease about 2 years later.

 

1972, 21 Sep, the first of the three houses to burn with-in a year, this one was next to the Church on the property that is now the location of the new post office.

 

1984, 21 Sep, Gloria (Palmquist, LaFlex) Dillon 61

Husband:

   LaFlex

Children:

   Cheryl,

   Jerry,

   Sandra.

Husband:

   Harvey Dillon 90.2009

Children:

   Barry Dillon.

 

 

In Memory of

Arthur Julius Boutto

2010, 21 Sep, Art Boutto 94

Wife;

  Lorraine (Marsyla) Boutto 82,2004

Children;

 Dennis & Sharon Boutto,

 Gary & Barb Boutto,

 Sharon & Mickey Ratai.

 
 

20 September

1959, 20 Sep, the cornerstone was set for the new Cook Community Hospital which opened on the October 26,1959.

 

Jim's Grille about 1955, Nylund's Bakery and the Fox Hardware

1979, 20 Sep, Northwinds Café grand opening by new owners Nathan & Susan Drephal.. Jim’s Grille had been located there for many years and was owned by Clark Winchell 55,1974.  Before the building became the Northwinds Cafe, it was known as the Pizza Pasta House which was owned by Tony & DeEtta Bertucci. Later it became the Driftwood Café owned by Bob Heglund. Now it is the River Street Auto Parts Store owned by Dan Bogren.

 

1994, 20 Sep, crossing arms were installed at the railroad crossing on the north edge of Cook on the Ashawa Road which is also #115.

 

1961, 20 Sep, Albert Bergman 51

Wife:

   Thelma Setter Bergman (Esko) Kolko 81,2003

Children:

   Alden Bergman,

   Galen (Doreen) Bergman,

   Brian (Gail) Bergman,

   Harley 53,2007 (Teresa) Bergman,

   Shelly (David) Adelmann.

 

19 September

 

1917, 19 Sep, the Farmers & Merchants State Bank was founded by George Frances. The original building was located in what is now the parking lot for the license bureau. In 1954 the Bank moved to a new building on the main street. It was sold to the First National Bank of Chisholm in 1993.

 

In Memory of

Donald Lowell Erickson

2007, 19 Sep. Donald Erickson 76

Wife;

   Shirley (Nurmi) Erickson 72,2010

Children:

   Steven & Teresa Erickson,

   Darren Erickson,

   Dan & Carol Erickson,

   Scott & Carrie Erickson.

Parents:

   Walfred 74,1966 & Engle 89,1989 (Hansen) Erickson.

Siblings:

   Don 76,2007 & Shirley 72,2010 (Nurmi) Erickson,

   Clinton 66,1999 & Joan Erickson,

   Duane 76,2010 & Lorraine Erickson,

   Lester & Nancy Erickson.
 
 

18 September

 

2001, 18 Sep. Brooke Ann Simpson 0,2001

Parents:

   Troy & Dawn (Arvila) Simpson

Siblings:

   Bo,

   Brenna,

   Brooke,

   Brynn.

Grandparents:

   Robert & Hope (Keister) Simpson

   Leslie 66, 2005 & Mary Ann (Peterson) Arvila

 

In Memory of

Karl "Smoke" & Nancy

2006, 18 Sep, Nancy Ann Weatherton 59

Husband:

   Karl "Smoke" Weatherton

Children:

   Mark & Debra Weatherton,

   Travis Weatherton,

   Monica & Jason Workman.

 

In Memory of

Minerva Wellomo Koski Balke
2009, 18 Sep., Minerva Balke 86
Husband;
   Mervin Balke 67,1980
Children;
   Merline,
   Gregory,
   Keith,
   Maxine.
 

17 September

 

1957, 17 Sep, the Cook Commercial Club changed its name to the Cook Chamber of Commerce.

 

1982, 17 Sep, Joey Knutson 4

Parents:

   Joe Knutson & Lori (Lindgren) Knutson

Siblings:

   Joel,

   Breyan,

   Brittney

Grandparents:

   Robert 76,2005 & Marvelle (Benson) Knutson

   Willard & LaVerne 71, 2001 (Johnson) Lindgren

.

1993, 17 Sep, Stephanie Scofield 16

Parents:

   Larry & Chris (Tupy) Scofield.

Grandparents:

   Harry 85,2002 & Eva 92,2008 Scofield

   Roy 82,2009 & LaVerne Tupy.

 

In Memory of

Raymond Joseph Hill

owner, Hill Wood Products

2004, 17 Sep, Raymond Hill 80

Wife:

   Janet Oaks Hill 69, 1997

Children:

   Debbie 64,2010 & Richard Osborne,

   Gary Hill 27,1979,

   Steven & Debbie Hill,

   Melanie & Art Strobel,

   Joe & Angie Hill.

Parents:

   Hugh 88,1978 & Amelia 84,1979 (Durand) Hill.

Siblings:

   Ruth & John Frick,

   Ray 80,2004 & Janet 69,1997 Hill,

   Richard & Audrey Hill,

   Phoebe & Jerry Hollis,

   Frances & Victor Guido,

   Donald & Madeline Hill,

   Bona & Bill 80,2004 Vanne & Cliff Achord.

 

In Memory of

Ann Scott

2007, 17 Sep, Ann Scott 96

Child she raised:

   Scott Refsdal 68,2011 was Ann's nephew, she raised him as her own after her sister, his mother,

   Esther (Anfinn) Refsdal 41,1943 died at his birth

Parents:

   Andrew 70, 1939 & Anna 62,1930 (Oling) Scott.

Ann and her Siblings

   Arthur Scott 62, 1957,

   Amanda 91, 1987 & Carl V 38, 1930 Carlson ,

   Carl 80, 1978 & Sigrid 86, 1990 (Holter) Scott,

   Walter 76, 1975 & Catherine 68, 1975 Scott,

   Esther 41, 1943, & Anfin 73, 1974 Refsdal,

   Edwin Scott,

   John "JC" 79, 1987 & Lineta 71, 1989 (Ackerman) Scott,

   Ann Scott 96,2007.
 

16 September

 

1997, 16 Sep, Melvin Lee 78

Wife:

   Edith (Cooley) Lee 54, 1980

Children:

   Linda & Howard Lappi,

   Carol,

   Sandra.

Second wife:

   Lulu (Knutson, Lindgren) Lee 83, 2004
 
 

15 September

 

1955, 15 Sep, St Mary’s church parsonage construction started, it was first located next to what is now the Mlaker Funeral Home. It was later moved to the new church location south of Cook Hospital and attached to the church

 

1963, 15 Sep, Rev. Marvin Holt installed as the Pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, he left on 1 Nov 66. He served after Rev. James Peterson and before Rev. Keith Parker.

 

1966, 15 Sep, the Federal Forestry office moved from the Wilho Gustafson house to what was Coopers Café and later the NAPA store, this building is now the Human Touch Gift Shop. In 1992 the Federal Forestry moved to their new log office building at Hwy 53 & the Ralph Road.

 

1966, 15 Sep, the Cook Hospital Auxiliary bought what was originally the old Community Church building which also served as the Covenant Church after it was no longer the Community Church. The Covenant Church worshipped there until 1949 when they moved to their present site across the alley. The Lions Club now owns this old building which is now used for storage of items for their annual Yard Sale. The Auxiliary is now located in their new building across from what was the Holmes Logging Company. 

 

Tony Jackopich and Muriel Simonson

1987, 15 Sep, Tony Jackopich opened his Wanigan Café south of the Dam Supper Club which is a mile south of the City of Orr, and next to the Pelican River.  Tony was raised along the Little Fork River in the Greaney area and had seen these traveling dining rooms. Back in the days when this areas roads were few or poor the loggers shipped their wood to market via the rivers. During the winter the logs were piled next to the rivers or on the ice covered rivers and shipped the next spring during high water down stream to the mills or the railroads. Even smaller creeks were used to transport logs, they were dammed up to raise the water. The Wanigan traveled along with the log drives to feed the loggers. The last river drive in this area was in the late 1920s. Tony was a big man and when he walked around the Wanigan, the place it would shake and roll.  He did not have water or sewer so he was not able to operate for long before closing down. Tony passed away on August 17, 2000 at the age of 73.

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2000, 15 Sep, Gloria Fischer 60

Husband:

   Peter Fischer 73, 2006

Children:

   Renee,

   Diane

Parents:

   Oscar 82, 1974 & Elsie 86, 1992 (Lindbeck) LeMoine

Siblings:

   Clifford 67, 1995 & Darlene (Gaines) LeMoine,

   Shirley & Russell Sikkila,

   James LeMoine 25, 1956,

   Erlene & Rick 76, 2004 Waataja,

   Richard & Colleen (Shaefbaurer) LeMoine,

   Rodney 76,2012 & Alice (Anderson) LeMoine,

   Gloria 60, 2000 & Peter 73,2006 Fischer,

   Zona & Adrian Perkio,

   Karen & Kevin Roche,

   Sandra LeMoine.

 

In Memory of

Everett Charles Soger

2006, 15 Sep, Everett Soger 87

Wife;

   Ruby (Johnson) Soger

Children;

   Leslie Soger,

   Thomas Soger,

   Ronald Soger,

   Barbara & Bernard "Bernie" Novak.

In Memory of

Norma Burnett (Anderson) Simonson

2007, 15 Sep. Norma Simonson 89

Husband:

   Jesse Simonson 78,1989

Children:

   Don & Muriel Simonson,

   Jerry & Irene Simonson,

   Duane 68,2007 & Sherry Simonson,

   Mike (Mary) Simonson.

 

Duane died on September 9, and Muriel's brother Hartley Anderson on October 1, so we had three funerals in three weeks.
 

 September 14

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Mayor Yale Corcoran 70,1987, Doug's parents Oscar 80,1986 & Irene 89,1996, Doug Johnson

1985, 14 Sep, dedication of the new Doug Johnson Park in honor of Senator Doug Johnson who was instrumental in getting the funds from IRRRB for the construction of the park. He has always been interested in the need of recreational equipment for the youth of Cook. As a child he was stricken with polio but he was still interested in being involved with sports.

 

 

1992, 14 Sep, Theresa Martinson started working at the Cook City Hall. She was promoted to City Administrator on the May 19 2000. She meets often with Minnesota State Representative David Dill.

 

1997, 14 Sep, Ailie Junttonen 89

Husband:

 Ernest Nukala 47, 1949

Children:

 Marvin 66, 1993 & June 73,2007 (Lindquist) Nukala,

 Doreen & Arlee Olson,

 Ardythe & Jerry Diwishek

Second husband:

 Reino Junttonen 89, 2004

.

1999, 14 Sep, Clara Nylund 90

Husband:

 John Nylund 63, 1966

Children:

 Donald "Donuts" & Shirley 78,2006 Nylund,

 Marilyn & Gene Jenkins,

 Charolette & Bud Bystrom,

 John Jr & Kathy Nylund,

 Jackie & Warren Bradbury

.

In Memory of

 

Carol Antus and her mother Winnie 

2008, 14 Sep, Winnie Sundeen Anderson Johnson 103

Husband;

 Richard Anderson*

Children:

 Carol (Jerry 71,1996) Antus

Husband:

 Carl O. Johnson 82,1983

Children:

 Sharon (Ted) Melgeorge

 

13 September

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1996, 13 Sep, Vermilion Motel open house, after an extensive remodeling job. John & Verdella Musech had bought the motel  after the Johnson One Stop fire of 10 May 1977. They opened the first convenience store in Cook, the Country Store on 16 Nov 1978. In 1991 they sold the business to their son Tom Musech.

In Memory of

 

Steven Jay Rutchasky

1978 graduate of the Cook High School

1980, 13 Sep, Steven Rutchasky 19

Parents:

   Bill Rutchasky Sr. and Beatrice (Rankila, Rutchasky) & Roger Waisanen.

Siblings:

   Pauline,

   Ronald,

   Wendell,

   Steven,

   Bill Jr.,

   Lois,

   Daniel.

 

1978, 13 Sep, Donovan Thomas 62

Wife:

   Elsie Laine Thomas 92, 2008

Children:

   Bob (Norma) Thomas

 

1988, 13 Sep, Arthur "Art" Bakk 77

Wife:

    Doris (Forsline) Bakk

Children:

    Dan,

   Calvin 62,2012,

   Ken,

   Jim,

   Curt,

   Carolyn

Parents:

   Jacob "Jack" 58, 1938 & Hannah 81,1964 (Bertels) Bakk

Siblings:

   Gunnar 90, 1995 & Martha 83, 1991 (Olson) Bakk,

   Art 76, 1988 & Doris (Forsline) Bakk,

   Alice 87, 2000 & Edward 1991 Midura,

   Ralph 84, 2001 & Juneth 89,2009 (Ojard) Bakk,

   Myrtle 82, 2001 & George Davidson,

   Alarik & Willianetta 81,2007 (Bierwirth) Bakk,

   Melvin & Audrey (Schelde) Bakk,

   Clarence 85,2011 & Anneli (Tervonen) Bakk.

 

12 September

.

 

This building is now an appartment complex across from the funeral home

1926, 12 Sep, theTrinity Lutheran Church of Cook was organized by Pastor Fadum. The congregation moved to their present building site in 1955.

 

1990, 12 Sep, the old bridge which was constructed in 1931 was moved over to be used as a detour, during the construction of the new bridge which was opened on 10 Jul 1991. The bridge is over the Rice River, south of Cook 2.5 miles on highway 53.

 

New Police Squad

 

1990, 12 Sep, Cook Police Chief Al Hietala picking up his new Squad, a 1990 Ford. Al retired in 2008.

 
 
In Memory of

Ellen & Tony's wedding picture in 1936, and the last one taken.

They owned and operated a grocery store at Linden Grove

(Thanks to their daughter-in-law Terri for the photos)

1997, 12 Sep, Ellen (Paavola) Kallio 80

Husband:

   Anthony "Tony" Kallio 63, 1977

Children:

  Beverly & Ronald Kmett,

  Dick & Arleen Kallio,

  Darrell 68,2009 & Sharon (Flank) 32, 1976 & Terri (Evers) Kallio. 

 

Click for a speical "In Memory of Ellen"

Created by her daughter-in-law Terri (Darrell 68,2009) Kallio

 

 

 

11 September

.

1957, 11 Sep, the East Leander Road was first blacktopped. I drove this dusty dirty road for three and a half years while dating Muriel. It was blacktopped just after we were married on June 22, 1957. I would rather live in a shack on a blacktop road, than a mansion on a dirt road.

 

1972, 11 Sep, the Cook Hospital closed the 2nd time for lack of a doctor. It was re-opened on the 15th of October. Hard times for the hospital and community. Also as we on the ambulance service had to take everyone to Virginia, that made the calls longer.

 

1992, 11 Sep, the Virginia Target Store was under construction.

 

1973, 11 Sep, Cora (Howe) Beatty 76

Husband:

   Willis Beatty 63, 1960

Children:

   Cora Rae,

   Mary,

   Willis Jr

In Memory of
Wesey Eugene Johnson
 1958 graduate of the Cook High School

2001, 11 Sep. Wesley Johnson 61

Wife:

   Rozanne (Larson) Johnson 52,1993

Children:

   Brad,

   Wendy,

   Angela

Parents:

   Gust 55, 1967 & Irene 78, 1993 (Balgaard) Johnson

Siblings;

   James 61,1999 & Loretta (Jacobson) Johnson,

   Ronald 73,2010 & Judy Johnson,

   Wesley Johnson 61, 2001,

   Janice 24,1966 Johnson,

   Donna 56,1999 & John Isaacson,

   Shirley 50, 1995 & Roy 58,1999 Schulze.

In Memory of

 
Donald Wesley Abrahamson

2008, 11 Sep., Donald "Ole" Abrahamson 86

Wife:

   Evelyn (Johnson) Abrahamson 90,2011

Children:

   Donald Abrahamson Jr. 20,1968,

   Kevin Abrahamson.

 
In Memory of

Scott Edward Refsdal
Class of 1960

2011, 11 Sep., Scott Refsdal 68

Wife
  Penny
Children
  Ryan,
  Mark,
  Bruce,
  Kaysie
Parents
  Anfinn 73,1974 & Esther 41,1943 (Scott) Refsdal
Aunt who raised him
  Ann Scott 96,2007
 
In Memory of

 

10 September

.

 

1973, 10 Sep, some of the Cook Fire Department members drove to North Branch, Minnesota to pick up the new yellow fire truck. Pictured with the new Fire Truck is the 1970 Chevrolet Suburban Ambulance, both sold new to the City of Cook by the Lobe Chevrolet dealership. The ambulance at that time was manned by the Fire Department with help from nurses at the Cook Hospital. We covered Cook and the rural areas plus Nett Lake, Orr and Crane Lake. Now Nett Lake and Orr have their own ambulances. There were no First Responders at that time.

 

1987, 10 Sep, Joseph Peterka 74

Wife:

   Mildred Peterka 67,1982

Children:

   Ronald & Arlene Peterka,

   Diane & John Cin,

   Margie & Fred Hyppa.

.

1988, 10 Sep, Waino Taittonen 79

Wife:

   Signe (Taskinen) Taittonen 75, 1995

Children:

   Elaine & Rodney Arola,

   Wayne Taittonen 64,2008,

   Lillian Maki 63,2008,

   Michael & Mary (Olson) Taittonen

In Memory of

Alvin Pederson

2009, 10 Sep., Alvin Pedersen 102

Wife:

   Lillian (Anderson) Pedersen 86,2000

Children;

   Vivian 78,2011 & John 56,1984 Manick,

   Roy Pederson.
 
 

September 09
 

1974, 09 Sep, the rafters were set for the new sanctuary addition to Trinity Lutheran Church. The dedication for the original construction was on 15 May 1955. In 2012 a major remodeling project was finishied. There has been a Lutheran Church in Cook since 1926. Their former building was across from the Mlaker Funeral Home and is now an apartment complex owned by Bob Dickson.

 

1963, 09 Sep, Nels Larson 76

Wife:

   Lillian (Beatty) Larson 59,1954

Children:

   Irene & Dan 75, 1996 Popovich,

   Rhoda 80,2001 & Roy Carlson,

   Eileen & Niilo Haataja,

   Alan 75, 2006 & Lois (Refsdal) Larson

 

2000, 09 Sep, Jerry Cheney 63

Wife:

   Rita (Sarazine) Cheney

Children:

   Teresa Cheney,

   Colleen & Daniel Wooster,

   Steven Cheney,

   Kevin & Michelle (Pederson) Cheney,

   Colette & Dennis Hisenga,

   Neil & Lis (Dundas) Cheney

Parents:

   Lloyd 65 1963 & Eda "Belle" 77, 1982 Cheney Sr.

Siblings;

   Dorothy 74, 1996 & 73,1986 Walter Lakkonen,

   Lloyd Jr 50, 1975 & Rita (Spychalla) Cheney,

   Iva 75, 2002 & Harry 92,2009 Dantes,

   Margorie 65,1993 & Alvin 86,2011 Wardas,

    Ruth 66,1998 & Bill 88,2006 Stupica,

   James 43, 1978 & Mary Ann (Bachel) Cheney 60, 2006 later married to Eric Kanian),

   Jerry 63, 2000 & Rita (Sarazine) Cheney,

   Wayne & Shirley (Beitz) Cheney

 

In Memory of

Duane Norman Simonson 
Class of 1957

2007, 09 Sep, Duane Simonson 68

Wife:

   Sherry LaFlex Simonson

Children:

   William,

   Tammy,

   Joe

Parents:

   Jesse 78, 1989 & Norma 89, 2007 Simonson

Siblings:

   Don & Muriel (Anderson) Simonson,

   Jerry & Irene (Edblom) Simonson,

   Duane 68,2007 & Sherry Simonson,

   Mike & Mary (Geib) Simonson

 

08 September

 

1966, 08 Sep, Vermilion Fairways golf course opened. Ray Ronning was the first board president of the organization. The fairways are on the former August & Irene Lappi farm. The Club House is where their house was located, they raised about 14 children there. 

 

In Memory of

Carol Ann (Degrugillier) Pohto

Class of 1955

1982, 08 Sep, Carol Pohto 45

Husband:

   Ray Pohto

Children:

   Guy Pohto,

   Brad & Peggy Pohto,

   Cindy & Don Aune,

   Mark & Jean Pohto,

   Lisa & Jim Kirk,

   Grant & Sheila Pohto

Parents:

   Paul David 51, 1963 & Esther 59,1964 (Kuttu) Degrugillier

Siblings:

   Carol 45,1982 & Ray Pohto,

   Paul David Jr. 62, 2001 & Darlene Degrugillier.

.

In Memory of

Floyd Petlonen

1954 Class of Alango

1993, 08 Sep, Floyd Peltonen 57

Wife:

   Mary Lou (Sanko) Peltonen

Children:

   Dale,

   Brian,

   Natalie,

   Linda.

Parents:

   Uno 96,2005 & Lillian 92, 2006 (Latikka) Peltonen

Siblings:

   Irene & Allan Kujala,

   Floyd & Mary Lou,

   Karen & Sam Carlson.

In-laws:

   Frank 72, 1977 & Martha 71, 1985 (Balke) Sanko 
 

07 September
.

1959, 07 Sep, a windstorm hit the Leander area taking down many old growth pine trees. After this storm Dennis Carlson, son of Albert 69, 1983 & Helen Carlson, planted hundreds of Norway Trees to replace the ones that blew down. You can now view these 52 year old trees at the Vermilion Veterinary Clinic which is now the home of John & Robin Fisher.

 

1979, 07 Sep, the walls were going up for Matt Smith’s Smitty’s Café. He opened the business on 23 May 1981. Later this place became known as the Ashawa Inn, it closed for good on 28 May 1999. The vacant building was demolished in 2010 to make room for the future Scenic Rivers Dental Clinic.

 

1974, 07 Sep, Arne Lindgren 59

Wife:

   Lulu (Knutson, Lindgren) Lee 83, 2004

Children:

   Judy Roy 61,2008,

   John Lindgren 36,1984.

Parents:

  John 73, 1947 & Maria 71, 1964 (Flanders) Lindgren.

Siblings:

   Ero Lindgren*,

   Mary 88,1993 & Herman Moberg,

   Helmi 89, 1997 & Ted 58, 1964 Autio,

   Sylvia 65,1977 & Maurice 70, 1986 Heglund,

   Toivo Lindgren 57,1970,

   Arne 59,1974 & Lulu 83,2004 (Knutson) Lindgren,

   Wayne 64,1983 & Shirley (Hegg) Lindgren,

   Willard & LaVerne 72, 2001 (Johnson) Lindgren,

   Wesley Lindgren 58,1980.

In Memory of

1993, 07 Sep, Louis Mordini 80

Wife:

  Helen (Pickels) Mordini 91,2009

Children:

  Sharon & Jerry Lemieux,

  Tom & Sharon Mordini,

  Susan & Joseph Froehlingdsorf.

.

2000, 07 Sep, Esther (Ahlgren) Finnala 77

Husband:

  Axel Finnala 71, 1981

Children:

  Gerald Jyrkinen 66,2009,

  Kenton Finnala,

  Susan Finnala.

 

 

In Memory of

Astrid & Bruce

2003, 07 Sep., Astrid Kronholm Fleming 89

Husband;

   Rev. Bruce Fleming 87,2003

Children;

   Patricia & Glen Werronen

Parents;

   Ed 87,1975 & Greta 43,1929 (Nygard) Kronholm

Siblings;

   Einar Kronholm 86,1998,

   Gunnar 94,2007 & Elna 55, 1967 & Eunice Kronholm,

   Oliver 90, 2006 & Dorothy 67, 1982 & Doris 87,2007 Kronholm,

   Astrid 89, 2003 & Bruce 87, 2003 Fleming,

   Judith & Harris Youngquist.

Step-mother;

   Anna Irene Kronholm 76,1969

 
 

06 September

 

Cook's three water towers

The 1930 and 1958 water towers were located in downtown Cook,

the new 2010 tower is in the old ball park, on Old Highway 11 next to the railroad.

1946, 06 Sep, the second City well was drilled. It was 94 feet deep with a 12 inch casing. It served the City water needs. The first water tower shown above on the left held about 20,000 gallons of water, the second tower held about 60,000 gallons of water. The new tower holds 200,000 gallons.

 

The first water tower was removed by one man; Charlie Fillmore, he rigged a pole to the side of the new water tower which was close by. In a home made bucket that carried him up and down he took the tower down, piece by piece. The tank was made of redwood, the four uprights were of steel. I would like to see a picture of Charlie disassembling that tower. Charlie was a man of many talents, his repair shop was located north of Cook, where Dyke's Body Shop was. Charlie was a great student of the Bible and loved to tell anyone that would listen of their need of accepting Christ as their Personal Savior. One did not have to belong to a certain church or cult.

.

In Memory of

Rev Oscar & Alma Svedberg

First Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Cook, 1907

1963, 06 Sep, Alma Svedberg 82

Husband:

   Rev. Oscar Svedberg 94, 1971

Children:

   Ruby 68, 1976, & Dick 73, 1976 Husted,

   Bayert "Bill" Svedberg 88,1998,

   David 62,1981 & Vera (Olson) Svedberg,

   Emory & Sandi Hendrickson.

 

In Memory of

Sharon Kallio

A 1962 graduate of the Alango School

She died in a car accident in Colorado

(Thanks to Darrell's second wife Terri for this photo)

1976, 06 Sep., Sharon Karleen (Flank) Kallio 32

Husband:

   Darrell Kallio 68,2009

Children: 
   Karleen & Andy Moris, 
   Beth & Wade Specht,
   Renee Kallio.
Parents: 
   Arthur 54,1954 & Bessie 77,1983 (Urdahl) Flank.
Siblings: 
   Delores & Raymond Ervasti 39,1958 & Kenneth Olson 87,2010, 
   Lois 47,1975 (Duane) Johnson, 
   Raymond 78,2011 & Jeannie 76,2011 (Arnebeck) Flank, 
   Sharon 32,1976 & Darrell Kallio

 

1984, 06 Sep, Eugenia DeRusha 64

Husband:

   Leonard DeRusha Sr. 67,1989

Children:

   Leonard Jr 64, 2006 & Patricia DeRusha,

   David & Dorene DeRusha,

   Mark DeRusha,

   Daniel DeRusha,

   Hazel & Steven 58,2009 Wark,

   Paul DeRusha 01,1956,

   Tim DeRusha.

 

05 September

.

1973, 05 Sep, ground breaking for the defunct public housing that was located across from Richie Holmes logging garage. The uncompleted walls were blown down during a wind storm, and the contractor went broke. This was the forerunner of the Homestead apartments. Now the Hospital Thrift Shop is located on that land.

 
Subway and State Farm occupy this building, now owned by Tom & Lisa Ojanen

1974, 05 Sep, the Federal Forestry moved to the old Miller-Chase Furniture store-Miller Grocery store building. This was the location of Clark Brenna's Clark's IGA from 1968 to 1973. In 1992 the Forestry moved into their new log building on Highway 53 and the Ralph Road. Tom & Lisa Ojanen now own the building. In 2002 they opened a Subway Restaurant. In 2009 they rented space to Tim Johnson, the State Farm Agent.