Gordon L. Cook passed away on July 4, 2022, at the age of 90. He was born in Mankato, Minnesota but was raised in St. Peter, Minnesota. In his youth Gordon was active in Boy Scouts, eventually earning his Eagle Scout rank, Boy Scout’s highest achievement.
He attended Gustavus Adolphus College and earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology. While in college, Gordon was on the varsity tennis team. He earned his master’s degree in 1960 at the University of South Dakota. He moved to Wyoming in 1964 and enjoyed a long and successful career teaching Biology at Laramie High School. He also coached the boys’ and girls’ tennis teams at the High School.
Gordon was an avid outdoorsman and gardener. He enjoyed taking his family hunting and fishing; and especially loved his summer Canadian fishing trips with his dad and sons catching Northern Pike and Walleyes.
Gordon was active in the local Moose Lodge and served as a treasurer and acting Administrator for several years. He was also recognized by the University of Wyoming for his 50 years of service as a crew member of the official table at the Cowboy and Cowgirl basketball games in 2015.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Gladys Cook; two grandchildren, Craig Cook and Sarah Pryor.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Marcella Cook; children, Patty Pryor, Greg Cook (Joleen), Gary Cook, Tammy Hayes (John); grandchildren, Nicole, Mike, Clayton, Chase, Anita Jo, Brandi, Gary Jr., Phillip, Allison; numerous great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
The family would like to thank the ICU staff at Ivinson Memorial Hospital for their excellent care and Gordon’s personal physician Emma Bjore, M.D.
Visitation will be from 3:00-5:00 p.m. Sunday, July 10th at Montgomery-Stryker Funeral Home. Rosary and Vigil service will be at 10:00 a.m. Monday, July 11th at St. Laurence O’Toole Catholic Church. Funeral Liturgy will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, July 11th at St. Laurence O’Toole Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Greenhill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family is kindly asking you to donate to the Eppson Center for Seniors, St. Laurence O’Toole Catholic Church and/or a charity of your choosing.
19 Comments To "Gordon L. Cook"
#1 Comment By M Jeffrey Painter On July 8, 2022 @ 2:41 pm
My condolences to the Cook family on their loss.
#2 Comment By Bob Dunivent & Debbie Honeycutt On July 8, 2022 @ 3:02 pm
The Cook family. Sorry for your loss. Mr Cook was a great teacher. Every summer traveling with the Cook family. He was always in the stands watching the boys playing sports. He always had time to say hello and ask how you are. R.I.P.
#3 Comment By Deborah Pickett On July 8, 2022 @ 5:26 pm
Marcella and Family, Very sorry to read of Mr. Gordon’s passing. He was always very kind whenever I would see him. whether it be at the bank or the Moose or wherever . My folks always thought very highly of your husband/dad. You all are in my thoughts. and prayers.
#4 Comment By Tammy Comer On July 8, 2022 @ 5:28 pm
Marcella and family: Our hearts go out to you while you process this great loss. Gordon was a beloved member of the Eppson Center Family and he will be greatly missed. Our prayers are with you. Tammy Comer and the Eppson Center Staff.
#5 Comment By Donald Shoefelt On July 9, 2022 @ 4:27 am
Marcella and family,
It was an honor and a pleasure to have known and worked with Gordon while I was a teacher at LHS. He was always so
nice to work with, and he was a great teacher. He will be missed. My condolences to your family
#6 Comment By Bob Ely On July 9, 2022 @ 7:41 am
Marcella, and family. Please accept our condolences with the passing of Gordon. I spent many years working with Gordon in education as well as serving as a scorekeeper for the University. We were also able to spend some time with him while he stepped up to hold an office in the Moose Lodge. Gordon was always willing to help and I considered him a true friend.
Bob and Verl-Lee Ely
#7 Comment By Brian Wester On July 9, 2022 @ 11:57 am
Very sad to hear about Mr. Cook’s passing. He was one of the best science teacher’s I have ever had. I hated science till Mr. Cook was my teacher and taught me that science was fun. I am still into science, all thanks to Mr. Cook. My condolences go out to his family. The world lost someone great!!!!!
#8 Comment By Lorrie Barela On July 9, 2022 @ 5:41 pm
My condolences to the Cook family. I loved having Mr. Cook as my teacher he was the best! I enjoyed my time with the family when I was in high school. Keeping y’all in my thoughts and prayers . RIP Mr. Cook
#9 Comment By Carl Miller On July 10, 2022 @ 11:29 am
To all the Cook Family, sorry for your loss. Mr. Cook was an amazing teacher in all that he did. He had the uncanny ability to know what young people were thinking about doing before they did. He will be missed a great deal in his family as well as his friends. All of us growing up around him became better people with his guidance. RIP
#10 Comment By Charis Kipper On July 12, 2022 @ 6:54 am
Keeping the Cook family in prayers. Many fond memories of growing up with all of you.
#11 Comment By Jim & Ro Peak On July 12, 2022 @ 9:02 pm
Our condolences to the Cook family. We pray that God welcomes Gordon into his kingdom. Our tears will fall now, but those who knew Gordon will smile at his memory.
#12 Comment By Kathy norris On July 13, 2022 @ 2:55 am
I am going to miss mr cook. He was my favorite teacher in high school. He sent me to the back of the room the first day of class as a joke. I hope the biology classes in heaven aren’t as rowdy as we were.
#13 Comment By Mike and Phyllis Mesa On July 13, 2022 @ 8:41 am
Marcella and family….we extend our most sincere condolences to you and your family. May your memories of Gordon be that which helps you through your grieving.
#14 Comment By Dara Kunkle On July 13, 2022 @ 8:44 pm
Mr. Cook was one of my favorite teachers at LHS! I had him as a teacher for 3 years and then was his TA for my senior year. Rest in Peace and see you again one day in Heaven.
#15 Comment By Heidi On July 15, 2022 @ 2:56 pm
One of my favorite and very best teachers. Always had a smile and some kind words along with his wisdom. So happy to have known him.
#16 Comment By Marcy Lundberg Moore On July 15, 2022 @ 3:32 pm
Mr Cook was one of the teachers all of his students loved, even when we got in trouble 🙂. My condolences to his family, for the loss of a sweet man.
#17 Comment By Jerry Coca Sr. Daughter Julieann Wright On July 25, 2022 @ 10:39 am
Dear Cook family, We want to first of all say how blessed we were to know your husband, father, grandpa as our friend and teacher. What an amazing soul. He was so kind compassionate and funny. My dad and he had great love and respect for one another and he was truly one of my favorite teachers. We all have so many memories of his humor and kindness. I also loved how sweetly he spoke of his beautiful wife children and grandkids. He was so proud of the family he and Mrs. Cook raised. Heaven is definitely richer for attaining this amazing soul. God bless you all.
#18 Comment By Anonymous On August 2, 2022 @ 8:33 am
Mrs. Cook, Gary and family members. Pat and I were sadden to hear of the loss of Mr Cook. May you have the comfort of all the wonderful years you had with him and his great wisdom. Good bless Mr. Cook and God’s strength be with you and your family. Pat & Martha Miller
#19 Comment By Gen Cotherman On August 12, 2022 @ 5:55 pm
Mrs. Cook, Tammy and family:
I was so saddened to hear of Mr. Cook’s passing. He was an amazing teacher, and one of my favorites. He put up with a lot from me, but always showed me respect and kindness … and a lot of patience! I will always have fond memories of my time in class with him, and enjoyed seeing him when I moved back to Laramie in 2014. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.