Mildred Cook

Mildred M. Cook passed away peacefully July 26 at Saint Lucas Care Center after an extended illness with family and staff at her side.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, August 2, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at the Divine Mercy Catholic Church, 139 Mercy Drive, in Faribault with Fr. Brandon Theisen officiating. Private interment will be held at St. Lawrence Cemetery, Faribault.

Visitation will be held at the church on Thursday from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers the family prefers that memorials be directed to Divine Mercy Catholic Church or to the charity of the donor's choice.

Arrangements are being completed by the Parker Kohl Funeral Home & Crematory of Faribault.

Mildred "Millie" (Voegele) Cook was born April 4, 1921 at home in Warsaw Township the 10th of 12 children to Peter and Anna (Rother) Voegele. Growing up on a farm in a large family during the depression years molded her character and outlook as she often recalled the hard work and simplicity of life in those years. She attended "country school" until the 8th grade with neighbors and siblings then graduated from Faribault High School with the class of 1939.

After high school Millie worked briefly for the Thorp Loan Company in Faribault then at the Rice County Courthouse in the Treasurer's office where she met her future husband, Herb Cook. They were married on November 25,1946 at the St. Lawrence Church in Faribault and first lived in an apartment at what is now the historic Hutchinson House where they started a family and life together for the next 64 years.

Millie was the consummate homemaker and manager of household finances having a knack for keeping things in order and stretching the value of a dollar. She enjoyed dancing playing bridge and wasn't afraid to tackle complex craft projects. Her family and faith were priority often volunteering at church and with school activities. In later years assisting with ministry at St. Lucas Care Center became a priority until she and Herb were no longer able to do so. She enjoyed dancing, playing bridge and various crafts.

Being blessed with an excellent memory gave her great pride and stories to tell. Her love for family came first, keeping track of birthdays, well-being and activities until the very end.

Millie is survived by four children; Kathleen Cook, Richard (Lynn) Cook, William Cook, Mike (Amy) Cook, five grandchildren; Brian (Kristen) Cook, Jake (Dana) Cook, Ben (Tim Klein) Cook, Tony (Jesse) Lundgren, Evan and Anna Cook and by five great-grandchildren; Bayley, Mara, Aly, Olive and Finnley Cook. She was preceded in death by her parents, five sisters and six brothers.