Obituary
William (Bill) Cook, 87, of North Fort Myers Florida, passed away on August 14, 2023.
Bill was born on December 5, 1935 to William and Leota Cook in Peoria Illinois. He graduated from Spalding Institute and then attended Bradley University where he met Muriel Zeisler. They were wed in 1958 and enjoyed 63 of marriage until Muriel’s death in 2021.
In addition to his wife, Bill was preceded in death by his parents and granddaughter, Margaret (Doucette) Pickering wife of John M. Pickering, USAF. He is survived by three daughters, Leslie (Stan) Harris, Cindy (Chuck) Doucette, Karen (Vince) Jordan; five grandchildren, Adam Harris, Megan (Fergal) O’Shea, Jonathan Doucette, Liam Jordan, James Jordan; six great-grandchildren, John Charles, Evelyn, Leah, Oliver and Samuel Pickering and Declan O’Shea.
Bill worked as a design engineer for Caterpillar Inc., retiring in 1997 after 42 years of service. He also served in the US Army at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri.
Bill enjoyed many things in life including parties, jokes, jazz music, photography, playing piano, astronomy, nature, science, Florida, Ireland, the St. Louis Cardinals, and his beloved family and many friends. He will be dearly missed.
While living in Peoria, he was involved with many organizations. He had been a member of the Elks, The American Legion, Independent Sports Club, Izaak Walton, and a member and past grand knight of the Knights of Columbus St. Jude Council. He had also been a member of St. Marks Catholic Church for many years.
After moving to Florida, he was a member of the North Fort Myers Elks and a very proud member of The American Legion Post 336 in North Fort Myers.
The family gives special thanks to Bill’s caregiver, Milena. Her kindness knows no bounds.
A memorial gathering will be held at a later date in Peoria and North Fort Myers.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Disabled Veterans Charity, DAV.org
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