What Happened today in the Past Years.

If you have an interesting event please send to

  Simonson@accessmn.com

March 13

1990, 13 Mar, an election was held to create the Cook Community Hospital District. The Hospital had been under the ownership of the City of Cook. This was causing a burden on the City’s bond rating being such a great liability. Also money could be raised through a levy on the rural taxpayers of the area for the needed hospital funds. As the Mayor at the time I signed the documents giving the hospital to the district, free and clear.

1983, 13 Mar, Alice (Doan) Hard 75

Husband; Delmer Hard 94, 1998

Children; Ardell 1970 & Laurence Hulett, Gail & Charles Bergman, Carolee & Dennis Carlson, Claudia & Michael Baker

.

                         Earl with his life long friend Kenneth Leding 77,1995

1994, 13 Mar, Earl Soderberg 69

Wife; Dorothy (Hassenger) Soderberg 59,1987

Children; Bailey & Bill Conger, Thomas Soderberg

Parents: Nels 49,1935 & Esther 68, 1962 (Rosen) Soderberg

Siblings: Elsie & Mark Turner, Mildred 92,2009 & Joe Gobats, Laura 76, 1995 & Albert 73, 1986 Kmett, Bonnie 59, 1980 & Leonard Johnson, Wendel Soderberg 70, 1992, Earl & Dorothy Soderberg, Barbara 69,2004  & Charles Russell

                          Ole did the stone work on the City of Cook signs

2007, 13 Mar. Irvin “Ole” Swanson 80

Wife: Paula Olson Swanson

Children: David & Jean Swanson, Daniel & Sandra Swanson

Parents: Knute 81, 1971 & Anna 48, 1943 (Amundson) Swanson

Siblings: John B. & Iva Swanson, Harold & Nellie Swanson, Beatrice & Anthony Riccio, Kenneth & Laverne Swanson, Dolores & Tom Haley, Ole & Paula Swanson

March 12

1994, 12 Mar. Milton Edblom 74

Wife; Martha (Flack) Edblom

Children; James & Joan, Shirley & David Woods, Nancy & Daniel Reing

Parents: Gust 72, 1948 & Susana 82, 1965 (Wadell) Edblom

Siblings: Walter Edblom 58, 1968, Alice Edblom 11, 1923, Arvid & Inez 72, 1982 (Froberg) & Helen (Carlson) Edblom, Lilly Edblom 73, 1991, Milton Edblom 74, 1994, George Edblom 27, 1951

March 11

1991, 11 Mar, Mike Pasch started as a police officer for the City of Cook. He worked with Chief Al Hietala. Mike resigned on 1 Oct 1999 and moved to Texas.

1969, 11 Mar, Wayne Stenbeck 68

Wife: Hilda (Makela, Stenbeck) Fox 94, 2001

Children: Dorothy 65, 1994 & Jack 76, 2002 Whiteside, Stanley & Mary Leah (Larson) Stenbeck, Shirley & Dick Reichel 64, 1994 & Arne Ojanen

                        Bud Rosen 85,2002 and Bill Lobe, Lobe Chevrolet Co.

1972, 11 Mar, William John “Bill” Lobe 55, shot and killed

Wife: Mary Jane (VanEtta) 45, 1966

Children: William Joseph Lobe., died at birth, September 17, 1943

Second wife: Beverley (Crotty) Lobe 62, 1981

The Life and Times of Bill Lobe

1989, 11 Mar, Sylvin Lokken 71

Wife: Irma 75, 2002 (Fischer) Lokken

Children: Darold 57, 2003 & Carolyn, Patrica & Gary Carlson, Cindy & Roger Lindula, Charles, Ivar.

1996, 11 Mar, Roy Hanson 74

Wife: Jean (Barnes) Hanson 80, 2003

Children: Barbara & Orlin “Buddy” Ofstad, Jolene & Kenneth Blake,  Gloria & Thomas Lamere, Joan & Rodger “Sid” Whiteman

1997, 11 Mar, Elayne (Kantoniemi) Erickson Snyder 58

Husband: Lester Erickson

Children: Bradley Erickson,

Parents: Leonard 1953, & Vivian 91, 1993 (Pihlaja) Kantoniemi

Second husband: John Snyder 75, 1996

1989, 11 Mar, Clinton “Bud” Tokvam 80, 1998

Wife: Irene (Dokken) Tokvam 83, 2005

Children: Linda & Marvin Aune, Karen & Dale Luoma, Janet 64,2007 & James Waldvogel, Roger Tokvam

March 10

1966, 10 Mar, Mary Jane (Van Etta) Lobe 45

Husband; William J. “Bill” Lobe 55, 1972

Parents: Dr. Michael & Jenny (Roberts) VanEtta

Siblings: Bernadine & John Murphy, Patricia & Bruce Sherwood, Mary Jane & Bill Audrey & Earl Conroe, Robert, JoAnne & George Dickenson, William

1974, 10 Mar, Clark Winchell 56

Wife; Eva (Mann) Lee Winchell 60, 1974

Parents; James 56, 1952 & Sara (Bloomquist) 94,1993 Winchell

Siblings: Clark, Jeanne 78, 1998 & Howard 83, 1988 Williams, Margaret 47, 1970 & Daniel 73, 1996 Trygg

1978, 10 Mar, Nick Vidor 36

Parents; Phillip 73, 1986 & Aline (Heglund) Vidor

Siblings; Mark 61, 2000 & Janice (LeTourneau) Vidor, Mikel, Nick 36, 1978, Mary , Stefanie & Jack Porter

1999, 10 Mar, Donald “Bumps” Baumgartner 73

Wife; Irene (Holter) Baumgartner

Children; Gary & Shirley Baumgartner, Gail & Brian Anderson, Larry & Yolanda Baumgartner

Siblings; Vernon, Lucille, Harold, James.

March 09

1977, 09 Mar, Mike Holmes was hired as the Cook Community Hospital Business Manager. He is now the General Manager of the Cook Area Health Clinic which is attached to the hospital. He is considered to be the the most knowledgeable man on rural health care in Northern Minnesota. He now works ful time for the Scenic Rivers Association which includes the Cook Clinic.

1976, 09 Mar, Betty (Fosburgh) Frances 47

Husband: George II 49, 1973 Frances

Children: George Frances III, Blake & Barbara Frances, Dane & Anne Frances

       Urban & Rosie Rent and Allie 76,1980 & Frances 87,1992 Saari

2002, 09 Mar, Urban John Rent 77

Wife, Rosie Godec Rent 90,2004

Children: Baby, died at birth on August 18,1946.

March 08

1970, 08 Mar, Joe Wilkinson 88

Wife: Edna (Ellsworth) Wilkinson 78, 1965

Children: Veva 93, 1999 & Frannie 88, 1991 Johnson,

Ray 89, 2000 & Mae 92, 2002 Wilkinson, Marge 96, 2005, Geraldine “Geri”.

Brenda would have graduated with the class of 1981 

1980, 08 Mar, Brenda Barnes 17

Parents; Robert 54 1987 & Ethel (Holter) Barnes

Siblings: Kathryn (Mike) Duame, Noreen, Brenda.

1986, 08 Mar, Mary (Helstrom) Olson 86

Husband: Oscar Olson 83, 1989

March 07

1957, 07 Mar, Oscar Carlson bought the Standard Oil Bulk Delivery business. In those days there were four fuel delivery trucks stationed in Cook; Oscar Carlson with Standard Oil, Don Delich with Pure Oil, Aaron Hall with Range Co-op and Ed Novak with Mobil. Now there are none, three out of town businesses send trucks here. Oscar passed away in 2008 at the age of 81.

1982, 07 Mar, Dennis Morriem’s last Sunday as the Pastor of Trinity Lutheran. He and his wife Jeannie came on 29 Apr 1973. He became the Pastor in a Cloquet Lutheran Church.

.

1995, 07 Mar, Jeanette (Zevenberger) Vos 83

Husband: Marvin Vos 76, 1990

Children: Marcia & Don Price

.

1998, 07 Mar, Evelyn (Nielson) Johansen 103

Husband: Fred Johansen 62, 1960

Children: Vivian & Leonard Vasilie, Rosemary & Ronald 57, 1977 Hokkanen & Laurence 68, 1987, Gebauer, Beryl & Bill Sersha, Roger Bruce & Jean (Gilbertson) Johansen

.

1999, 07 Mar, Walter Rautiola 74

Wife: Ann (Cobetto) Rautiola

Children: Carol & Ernest Seppela, Charles & Patricia, Rebecca Straw, Sheri

March 06

The Brown Building, 1952

1952, 06 Mar, the post office moved to the Brown Building. This building was constructed by Carl Brown 93,2005, he was a General Contractor from east of Cook. The Post Office moved into their own present building on 20 Aug 1997.

1976, 06 Mar, Mike & Diane (Hanson) Suomela bought the Hanson Furniture Store from Diane's parents Dick & Marge Hanson and her Uncloe Roy & Jean Hanson. They sold the business to Chris & Mandy Raps who have renamed the business “Spaces off Main.” Mike & Diane are the owners again.

1975, 06 Mar, Nels Folkedahl 75

Wife; Margaret (Johnson) Folkedahl 79, 2000

Children; Karen & Jerry Mayry, Sandra 68 & Robert Stotness, David & Debbie Folkedahl, Richard 66,2009 & Dorene Folkedahl, Donna & Frank Parzyck, Dayle & Dennis Hurst, Vern & Laurie Folkedahl, Neil & Shelby Folkedahl.

2001, 06 Mar. Martha (Hannula) Metsa 85

Husband: Bill Metsa 59,1971

Children: Merwyn & Carolyn 61,2005 (Snell) Metsa, Michael & Laurie Metsa

March 05

1969, 05 Mar, Dennis Duame bought Ardins Hotel, he later added Denny’s Café. The building was damaged by fire on 20 Jan 1979 and torn down on 20 Feb 1979.

1984, 05 Mar, Melvin Jr. “Bud” Ranta started working for the City of Cook Maintenance Deptartment. He is in charge of the water and sewer systems and the streets. Bud is very well qualified and knows the City inside and out. His helper, Roger Arola retired in 2009.

1962, 05 Mar, Harold Stevens 67

Wife: Helen 82, 1984

Children: Nadine, Donna

Helen’s 2^nd Husband: Wilhelm Hempel 83, 1988

1991, 05 Mar, David Cooper 59

Wife: Diane (Peterson) Cooper

Parents: Harold 95, 1988 & Bernice “Bunny” (Pedrick) Cooper 85, 1980

Siblings: Donald & Geraldine, David

1997, 05 Mar, Janet (Oaks) Hill 70

Husband; Raymond Hill 80, 2004

Children; Debbie, Gary 27,1979, Steve & Debbie, Mary, Melanie, Joe

1997, 05 Mar, Flora (Willet) Martinson 60

Husband: Stanley 60, 1979

Children; Stanley Martinson Jr, Lynette 55,2009 & Ron 57, 1995 Hakkila, Doug 47, 2003 & Rhonda (Hakkila) Martinson, Theresa Martinson

2001, 05 Mar, Clinton "Nick" Shermer 81

Wife: Syvilla (Hall) Shermer

Children: Dennis & Sharon (Udovich) Shermer, Irene Semon, Clifford & Mary (Sorenson) Shermer, Mark & Karen (Olson) Shermer, Martha "Marti" & Bill 71, 2001 Nosie, Ruth & John Huismann, James & Rebecca (Kottschade) Shermer, Joseph & Paula (Bergman) Shermer, Kay & Tim Cornelius

March 4

1904, 04 Mar, August Buboltz opened the Little Fork Hotel which became the first retail business in Ashawa, now Cook. In 1909 he bought the town site and he also had a home constructed for his family which is now the residence of Don & Muriel Simonson. The hotel was destroyed by fire in 1912. The last use of the building site was for a parking lot for Clark’s IGA, across from the drug store.

1983, 04 Mar, the Cook Potlatch Oxboard Plant opened, employing over 100 and using over 600 cords of wood a day. The Ainsworth Family bought the Plant and closed it a couple years ago.  Steve Hill of the Hill Wood Products of Cook has purchased this property for his Biofuel business in 2010.

1989, 04 Mar, Irene (Batko) Novak 65

Husband: Albin Novak 64, 1975

Children: Roger 40, 1982 & Carol (Lehtinen, Novak) Pohto, Dale, Randy

1993, 04 Mar, Robert “Bob” Stevenson 74

Wife; Lillian (Leonard) Stevenson 79,2007

Children; Robert Jr, Kathyrn, Phillip, Susan, Glenn

2001, 04 Mar. June (Wilson) Rankila 76

Husband: Paul Rankila 73, 1992

Children: David Paul & Loretta (Whiteside) Rankila

2006, 04 Mar, Beulah Virginia (Landmark) Fagnan 67

Husband: Francis Fagnan

Parents: Ben 61, 1974 & Helen 62, 1979 (Peterson) Landmark

Siblings: Beulah & Frances, Larry & Carol 63, 2003 Landmark, Chester & Wanda Landmark, Margaret 29, 1974 & Jack Bertolas, Elizabeth & Francis 58, 2000 Rosman

March 03

1935, 03 Mar, Archie & Goldie Mihm’s farm was the first to have electricity in rural Cook. In time the line was extended to Orr.

1978, 03 Mar, hospital radio tower installed for communications with the doctors and ambulance

1976, 03 Mar, Art Heglund 78

Wife: Linnea (Skur) Heglund 82, 1992

Children; Clifford & Janet Heglund, Robert 56, 2000 & Iva Heglund, Char & Kit Olson

1997, 03 Mar, Diane Olson 33

Parents: Orion & Rose (Bush) Olson

Siblings: Maxine, Orion Jr., Diane, Debbie, Sharon, Lynda, Nichole

2001, 03 Mar. Eric Long 87

Wife: Aune (Rankila) Long

Children: Paulette (Ronald) Rosenlund, Ronald 30, 1977 & Donna Long, Leon & Katie (Schmidt) Long

2001, 03 Mar. Hilda 94, 2001 (Makela, Stenbeck) Fox

Husband: Wayne Stenbeck 68,1969

Children: Dorothy 65,1994 & Jack 76, 2004 Whiteside, Stanley & Mary Leah (Larson) Stenbeck, Shirley & Dick 64, 1994 Reichel & Arne Ojanen

Second husband: George Fox 82, 1980 

March 02

1953, 02 Mar, Bob Ranta bought Elmer & Rick Waataja’s grocery store. In 1958 Bob sold to John Musech, he had a new store building constructed in 1971. In 1983 John sold to Clark Brenna.  This store building was destroyed by fire in 2003.

1992, 02 Mar, the Cook Airport beacon was installed.

1973, 02 Mar, Jesse Swanson 61

Wife; Barbara Joy (Hopkins) Swanson

Children; Jesse Jr, John 33, 1972, Barbara 65, 2006, Judy, Jane, Jerome, James

.

1980, 02 Mar, Anna (Karni) Sorvari 81

Husband Mike 58, 1953

Adopted Child; Charles “Chuck” Sorvari 75,2009

Second husband; Nester Laine 74,1961

Lorin was a 1955 graduate of the Cook High School

1999, 02 Mar, Lorin Eldien 61

Children; Tina, Kim, Keith

Parents; Parents; Harold 77, 1980 & Gretchen 97,2009 (Pfeiffer) Eldien

Siblings; Lorin, Norman, Andrew

March 01

1916, 01 Mar, the first telephone switchboard was constructed in Cook to bring the local and rural lines together. The first phones had been installed in about 1908. In 1928 Northwestern Bell bought the business and relocated the switchboard to Sara Winchell’s home.

1957, 01 Mar, first dial phones in Cook, the first one was installed at the Cook News Herald office. This was the end of the switchboard at Sara Winchell’s home.

1957, 01 Mar, Gust Ardin sold his bus depot/hotel to Bill Lobe, Martin Silvi and Raymond Gustafson (not Reynold

“Ray” Gustason the City Employee). The new business was known as Ashawa Marine. No business named Ashawa

has suceded in Cook.

1969, 01 Mar, Dennis Duame bought Ardins old bus depot / hotel. He added an addition to the south of the hotel for restaurant which he called Denny’s Cafe.

1973, 01 Mar, Don Simonson became the owner of the Lobe Chevrolet Company dealership after the death of Bill Lobe. In 1975 he moved the business to a new building on highway 53. In 1989 he sold to Lee & Larry Phillips. They sold to Ken & Mary Waschke.

1975, 01 Mar, Mike Hanney started as the pastor of the Mission Covenant Church

1990, 01 Mar, the house behind Montana was torn down, Don & Irene Baumgartner once lived in this house which is kitty-corner from Irene’s present home.

1993, 01 Mar, the old parsonage of the Baptist Church was demolished by IRRRB. It was located next to the Church and it was built in 1938. This building was removed as a new parsonage had been built and the space was needed.

1968, 01 Mar., James Victor Backlund 21, of Britt, Minnesota was killed in Vietnam

Parents: Victor 72,1981 & Gudrun "Goodie: 85,2000 (Westbly) Backlund

Sibling: Janet (Clifford) Heglund, James

Check James' name and information on the Vietnam Memorial in Washington D.C.

1985, 01 Mar, Rev. Oscar Eliason 83

Wife: Norma Olson Eliason 86,1998

Children: Victor (Freda) Eliason, Verner (Delores) Eliason.

.

1995, 01 Mar, Kaarlo Tuomi 77

Wife: Anna Lappi Tuomi 99,1998

February 28

1995, 28 Feb. Alfred “Paul” Nissinen 65

Wife; Bertha (Porter) Nissinen

Children; Jerry, Julie, Dan, Jane, David, June, Joyce

1996, 28 Feb. Verona (Mellak) Mahonen 77

Husband; Toivo “T. J.” 60, 1975

Children; Judy & Dan Lind, Randy & Terri, Joan 52, 1994 & Darrell Chase

Parents: Mike 94, 1976 & Violet 94, 1988 (Lindsey) Mellak,

Siblings: Lavern 81, 1999 & Bill 81, 1992 Fromel, Verona, Emily 67, 1998 & Lloyd 65, 1982 Wickholm, Lois & Fred Hensley, Roy Mellak 23,1950, Michael “Mickey” 64, 2000 & Bonnie 73,2008 Mellak

February 27

1981, 27 Feb, Bob Heglund opened his Driftwood Café in the former Jim's Grille building. There were a number of cafes that operated in the building, including the Pizza Pasta, and the Northwoods. Now the building houses the River Street Auto Parts store owned by Dan Bogren. Bob passed away on 6 Dec 2001 at the age of 56, he was a brother to Char (Kit) Olson

1994, 27 Feb. Joan Chase 52

Darrell Chase, 69,2008

Children: Polly (Robert) Graziano, Jody (Dale) Bixby 

February 26

1910, 26 Feb, Alango Township was organized. Alango is Finnish word for “Lowland”.

1955, 26 Feb, the Farmers & Merchants State Bank held an open house, they moved to their present location on the main street on 20 Dec 1954. This is now the First National Bank of Chisholm.

1971, 26 Feb, Rev. Oscar Svedberg 95

Wife: Alma (Shellway) Svedberg 82, 1963

Children: Ruby* & Dick 73, 1976 Husted, Bayert “Bill” 88, 1988 & Fannie*  Svedberg , David 62, 1981 & Vera (Olson)  Svedberg

February 25

1977, 25 Feb, Carl Sundeen 73

Wife; Lucille (Eddy) Sundeen 103, 2006

Children; Winifred 69,1997, & Clifford 53, 1976 Eggerdahl, Lorraine & Oscar 81,2008 Carlson, Eugene & Barbara Sundeen, Faith & Irving Brodeen, Carl Jr. & Helen Sundeen, Eddy & Jackie Sundeen, Dennis & Pat Sundeen, Hope & George Blomberg 

February 24

1981, 27 Feb, Bob Heglund 56,2000 opened his Driftwood Café in the former Jim's Grille building. There were a number of cafes that operated in the building, including the Pizza Pasta, and the Northwoods. Now the building houses the River Street Auto Parts store.

1973, 24 Feb, Wayne Viberg 61

Wife: Ellen 51, 1964 (Setter) Viberg

Children: Ken Viberg

1989, 24 Feb, Olaf Hokkanen 75

Wife; Doris( Kimberlin) Hokkanen 83, 1999

Children; Twila & Norbert Sarazine, Gerald & Jane, Carolyn Edberg, Marilyn & Bob Scott, Glenda, John & Pauline, Kimberly

1990, 24 Feb, Elizabeth (Kontz) Sarazine 75

Husband; Leo Sarazine 51,1959

Children; Norbert & Twila, Bernard James 28, 1963 & Christine 67,2006, Edward “Bill” & Elizabeth 30, 1970 & LaRue 36, 1975 & Karen, Raymond “Tom” 61, 1998 & Kathy, Corrine & Ron Maki, Rita & Jerry 63, 2000 Cheney, Patricia & Gene Skraba, Jean, Phyllis Childers, Michael & Michele

1991, 24 Feb, Loren “Corny” Lind 56

Wife; Karen (Kjera) Lind

Children: Greg & Paulette, Robyn & James Anderson, Kristin & Odean Zigan

2002, 24 Feb. Ervin Samuel Bartlett 57, 2002

Wife: Gloria Jean (Gustafson) Bartlett

Children: Mary, Kent

Parents: Sam 82, 2002 & Helen 78, 1999 (Lokken) Bartlett

Siblings: Carol & Robert 63, 1998 Larson, Ervin 57,2002 & Gloria Bartlett, Jane, Stanley, Gail & Brian Bergman, Shirley & Bruce Sandberg, Betty

2008, 24 Feb. John Wayne Jacobson 48

Parents: Sulo 61,1986 & Ruth (Silverdale) Jacobson

Siblings: John, Lisa & Tom Ojanen, James

February 23

1932, 23 Feb, the Sherman Granite Quarry opened near the Angora Post Office. There are still descendants living in the area of the men that moved here to work the quarry. There are a number of small quarries in Alango, Angora, Field and Sturgeon Townships. The Field Township quarry was the last mined.

1982, 23 Feb, the Northern Farmers Credit Union moved their office to the front of the Co-op store building. On the 04 October 1994 the store building was destroyed by fire. The Credit Union moved into their new building on 2 Jan 1996 and is now known as the Cook Area Credit Union.

1991, 23 Feb, Wayne Nelmark 80

Wife: Ella Ortendahl 93,2009

Children: Faye, Nancy, Jeffery

Rick served as the City of Cook Administrator for many years

2004, 23 Feb. Richard Merrell "Rick" Waataja 76
Wife: Erlene Marie LeMoine Waataja
Children: Debra & Richard 63, 2003 Lenzen, Tamara Marie Morin, Timothy & Susan (Arola) Waataja. William Waataja
Parents; Elmer 75, 1973 & Erma 84, 1983 (Farrington) Waataja
Siblings; Robert & Margaret Waataja, Richard & Erlene Waataja, Ronald "Jigger" Waataja

February 22

1995, 22 Feb, Esther (Simonson) Barnes 85

Husband; Walter Barnes 77, 1988

Children; Donald & Donna (Mann) Barnes, Robert 54, 1987 & Ethel (Holter) Barnes

2003, 22 Feb. Karen Anderson Harrison 51

Husband: Leslie Harrison

Children: Leslie Jr., Angela, Rachel

Parents: Gordon & Lilian 69, 1992 Anderson

Siblings: Janice & Paul Bernier, Dan & Linda Anderson, Karen & Leslie Harrison, Jean & Jim Taylor, JoAnn & Joe Knutson, Jeff & Beth Anderson 

February 21

1991, 21 Feb, Don & Becky Simpson bought the Sturgeon Co-op Store, located at the intersection of highway 22 & 73. The Co-op store had gone out of business. Simpson’s sold to Loren Tardy in 1997. The building was destroyed by fire.

1971, 21 Feb, Vic Ortendahl 53

Wife; Elvie (Ylitala) Ortendahl Lumme 73, 1993

Second husband; Ray Lumme

.

1999, 21 Feb, Alice (Wilson) Keister 88

Husband; Erwin “Sam” Keister 97, 2002

Children; Erwin “Junior” & Vera Keister, Kenneth & Sandy Keister, Jean & Bob Hugger 71, 1999, Audrey & Clark Armogost, Hope & Bob Simpson, Michael & Carol Keister

February 20

1906, 20 Feb, Nobel Beatty signed a petition to organize Vermilion Township. The name was later changed to Beatty Township as there was another township named Vermilion. Beatty is the largest township in the Cook area. It is 13 miles north to south and six miles east to west. It even took one row of sections from Owens Township as a Beatty Family that lived across from the Beatty Town Hall that was in Owens Township and wanted to be in Beatty Township. Cook is in Owens Township which has 30 sections instead of the Congressional 36.

1979, 20 Feb, Ardin Hotel / Denny’s Cafe was demolished after the fire of 20 Jan 79. This building was constructed by the LeMoine Family in about 1910 and later became the bus depot, owned by Gus Ardin, it was a landmark in Cook.

1980, 20 Feb, Joe Barnett, age 24 hired as police chief. He worked for the City only a few months, until September. His Deputies were Jim Boutto and Gary Martinson

2000, 20 Feb, Kristin Gustafson 16

Parents: Dale Gustafson & Katherine “Kathie” (Christensen) Gustafson

Siblings: Kristen, Nicole

Grandparents: Walter 71, 1983 & Clara (Dall) Gustafson

Grandparents: Phillip & Barb Christensen, and Brae 73,2009 & Rea 72, 2005 (Novak) Patten

.

2001, 20 Feb, Harold Swanson 85

Wife: Nellie

Children: Ronald

Parents: Knute 85, 1971 & Anna 48, 1943 (Amundson) Swanson

Siblings: John B 76, 1991 & Iva 86, 1996 (Franklin) Swanson, Harold 85, 2001 & Nellie Swanson, Kenneth Swanson 62, 1984, Dolores 74, 1997 & Tom Haley, Irvin "Ole" 80,2007 & Paula (Olson) Swanson.

February 19

1959, 19 Feb. Johnnie Cash was stopped for speeding through Cook by our City Police Officer. More information

1962, 19 Feb. Esther (Rosen) Soderberg 68

Husband; Nils Soderberg 49, 1935

Children; Elsie, Mildred 92,2009, Laura 76, 1995, Bonnie 59, 1980, Wendel 70,1992, Earl 69, 1994, Barbara 69, 2004,

1984, 19 Feb. Abraham "Abe" Vezina 81

Wife: Olive (Townsend) 88, 1996

Children; Lyle Vezina, Stanley Vezina 33, 1977

2000, 19 Feb. Ray Lumme

Wife: Elvie (Ylitala) Ortendahl Lumme 73, 1993 

Parents:  Magnus & Ina Lumme

Siblings: Arnold, Dorothy, Mildred, Raymond, Hazel, Delores, Keith

February 18

983, 18 Feb, residents started moving into the new Pioneer Apartment building. This building is next door to the Homestead Apartments that opened on 29 Jan 1976.

1978, 18 Feb, Veikko Rahikainen 61

Wife; Gertrude (Alt) Rahikainen 84, 2002

Children: Lois & Matt 57, 1988 Mulvihill 

February 17

1985, 17 Feb, David Wicklund’s last Sunday as the pastor of First Baptist. His wife; Judy, children; Britta, Scott. He had served since 1 Sep 1979.  He was preceded by Pastor Gordon Olson, his wife Gladys, children; Greg, Gretchen, Gloria, Glynnis, Gail and Greta. He was followed by Pastor Phillil Lutz, his wife Kathy, children; Andrew, Emily, David.

1983, 17 Feb, Wayne Metsa 63

Wife; Karen (Silverdahl) Metsa 80, 1998

Children; Ruth & Sulo 61, 1986 Jacobson , Roger & Carole 60,2008 Metsa, Kathy & Glen Ikola, Gene Metsa, John & Laura (Simpson) Metsa

February 16

1996, 16 Feb. Open house at the State Farm Office to welcome Ron Waggoner, the new agent that took over the office after Larry Zika passed away on 12 Jul 1995. Ron retired in 2006. Tim Johnson is the current agent.

1957, 16 Feb. Paul Fallos 41

Wife: Olga (Ortendahl) Fallos, Knapp 40, 1961

Children: Patricia “Pat” & Gary Lindsey, John 40, 1980, Jerry, James 40, 1987, Kurt

1967, 16 Feb. Bert Flack 79

Wife: Nellie (Fine) Flack 64, 1959

Children: Wayne 57, 1971, Ruth 73, 1989 & John Harrison 78, 1990

Warren “Pat” 65, 1983 & Delores 73, 1995, Ethel 75, 1996 & Harold Pellinen* Esther*, Marge 75, 1998 & Ralph 78, 1990 Peterson, Martha & Milton 74, 1994 Edblom, Herbert 51, 1978, Evelyn 44, 1976 & Gilbert Bockovich, Eunice & Kenneth Hodges. Penny & Joe Gilliland 72, 2000

1983, 16 Feb. Carl Ardin 84

Wife: Laura (Refsdal) Ardin 80, 1976

Children: Jo Ellen, Carol 49, 1978, Connie, June

2000, 16 Feb, Ames Gustason 69

Wife: Bonnie (Hills) Gustafson

Children: Todd, David, Janice

Parents: Reynald “Ray” 82, 1988 & Anna 72, 1980 (Carlson) Gustason

Siblings: Ames 69, 2002 & Bonnie (Hills) Gustason, Donald 69, 2003 & Fran (Agnew, Whiteside) Gustason, Kenneth 38, 1973 & Barbara (Morgan) Gustason 

February 15

1978, 15 Feb. Mike Sarazine opened his Optical Shop in what was last the Café 53 building that closed on Jan 31, 2003. The building is now the Cook's Closet, a preowned clothing store.

1995, 15 Feb. the Cook Library moved to its present location which used to be the Cook Fire Hall. The Library was founded in 1935 by the Cook Women’s Club. Lois Larson has been the librarian since 1981.

1970, 15 Feb. Toivo Hiltunen 58

Wife: Helmi (Paavala, Hiltunen) Kangas 87, 2000

Children: Myrtle & LeRoy 76,2004 Johnson

1976, 15 Feb. Herb Holmbo 76

Wife: Edna (Lindbeck) Holmbo 79, 1983

Children: Lorraine 86,2010 & Lawrence Aune, Marion & Leo 65, 1980 Nord

2008, 15 Feb., John Matson 65

Wife: Cindy Engle Matson

Parents: Matt & Alice Matson

Children: Scott Matson, Todd Matson

February 14

1989, 14 Feb. Arne Ojanen sold the Brown Building to Jim & Ruth Black, they later sold to Rick Scheuring. Rick sold to Laura Pajari, she rents old Post Office section to a Health Food Store and the other side to her sister Lois Pajari (Steve) Gams for the Dollar Barn. Carl Brown constructed the building in 1951 for the post office.

1996, 14 Feb. Mike Picek constructed a Valentine tree at the corner near his Tire Shop business. Whoever wanted could purchase a valentine for his sweetheart.  Mike was a very busy business man, but he took time for his community and still does.

1997, 14 Feb. Alice (Johnson) Skur 88

Husband: George Skur 81, 1987

Children: Allen 61,2002 (Ardell) Skur, Janet (Harvey) Wilder, Norman (Faith Svedberg) Skur

Leo taught school at Alango and Cook for many years

2007, 14 Feb., Leo Hans Wilenius 87

Wife:Eshter (Tuohien) Wilenius 76,1998

Children: Leone (Leonard) Snyder, Leo (Lindi) Wilenius

February 13

1956, 13 Feb. Cook Council annexed what is now known as the “Sunrise Addition.” It is that land south of the school that was owned by Marvin Chase. This was the first addition to Cook that required standards in building so the houses were more expensive. Also on this land are the Homestead & Pioneer Apartments. The land was originally part of the land Abel & Klara Pearson homesteaded in 1900.

1994, 13 Feb. Bernice (Larson) Setter 72

Husband: Clarence Setter 71, 1987

Children: Larry, Dennis 62,2007, Lee

1998, 13 Feb. Lucille (Sop) Holmer 83

Husband: Reinhold Holmer

Children: Carole, Allan

2000, 13 Feb. Tovio “Toi” Ranta 79

Wife: Olivia “Liv” (Sandberg) Ranta 75,2000

Children: Cathy & Jerry 63,2005 Schoon, Gary Ranta

February 12

1928, 12 Feb, Dr. William C. Heiam started his practice in Cook. In 1932 he opened his Cook General Hospital which he operated until the Cook Community Hospital opened on 26 October 1959. Now his son William C. Heiam Jr. "Bud" lives in Cook as does Bud's daughter Becky (Larry) Barnes.

1991, 12 Feb, Mike Lantry named the City of Cook Attorney. He owns the White Eagle Resort on Lake Vermilion.

1977, 12 Feb, Stanley Vezina 33

Children: Eileen, Dale

Parents: Abraham “Abe” 81, 1984 & Olive 88, 1996 (Townsend) Vezina

Siblings: Lyle, Stanley

1994, 12 Feb, Milton Edblom 74

Wife: Martha (Flack) Edblom

Children: James & Joan Edblom, Shirley & David Woods, Nancy & Daniel Reing

1995, 12 Feb, Signe Taittonen 75

Husband: Waino Taittonen 79, 1988

Children: Elaine & Rodney Arola, Wayne Taittonen 64,2008, Lillian Maki 63,2008,  Michael & Mary (Olson) Taittonen

2006, 12 Feb., Ellen Carlson Chos 83

Husband: Louiis Chos 68,1992

Children: Louis Chos Jr.

Parents: Carl V & Amanda Carlson

Siblings: Albert Carlson, Ellen Chos, Esther Jowaski, Harvey Carlson

Second husband: Gordon Anderson

February 11

The statue of Albert Wilson, in Duluth, now at the Depot Museum

1847, 11 Feb, Albert Woolson was born, he was the last Civil War veteran of the North. He lived in Duluth and died there on August 2,1956 at the age 109.

Check out this history of Albert Woolson at http://localhistory.morrisville.edu/sites/gar_post/woolson.html

1979, 11 Feb, Gordon Olson’s last Sunday as the Pastor of the First Baptist Church. He had served the church since 7 Feb 1971.

1986, 11 Feb, Florence (Rant) Teppo 61

Husband: Urho Teppo 80, 1996

Children: Ronald 61,2005 (Janet) Teppo, Gerald, LaVern, Marilyn

1991, 11 Feb, Rev Floyd Bergfalk 80

Wife: Edith Mae 35, 1945 (Goodrich) Bergfalk*

Children: Addison 71,2010 & Peggy (Nelson) Bergfalk, Kathy & Vernon Engberg, Marna, Margaret*

2^nd wife: Alpha (Bakk) Bergfalk 84, 1995

1991, 11 Feb, Carl Jacobson 81

Wife: Ann (Hoblak) Jacobson

Children: Patricia (Richard) Monte, John, Peter 46, 1999, Jean

1997, 11 Feb, Elaine (Kantoniemi) Erickson, Snyder 58

Husband: Lester Erickson

Children: Bradley (Denise) Erickson

Second husband: John Snyder

2001, 11 Feb, Richard Street 65

Children: Linda, Lisa, Charles*

Parents: Charles 65, 1982 & Laura Street

Siblings: Charles “Marvin” & Margorie (Obr) Street, Richard Street 62,2001, Shirley 56, 1998 & Emil Roethler

Coral taught school in Cook for many years

2006, 11 Feb, May, Coral Wurzel 92

Husband: Kenneth Wurzel 87, 2000

Children: Jacob & Florence 65, 2004 (Finch) Wurzel