John Cook

McFarland - John S. Cook, age 86, peacefully passed away on Saturday, September 9, 2017 after a long battle with Parkinson's Disease.

John was born and raised in Stoughton, Wisconsin, the son of Joseph and Anna Cook. John attended Stoughton High School where he excelled in track, basketball and football, graduating in 1949. He met, fell in love and married his wife, Rosanne, in December, 1954. They made their home in Stoughton, eventually moving to McFarland.

John was a member of the Stoughton's National Guard Unit, 128th Infantry, and was called to active duty with the 32nd Division for training at Ft. Lewis, Washington in 1961 as a result of the Berlin Crisis. He served as village trustee and village president on the McFarland Village Board from 1968 to 1982, and also served on the Plan Commission. He was one of the original charter members of the McFarland Lions Club, serving in various board positions throughout the years, including president and vice-president.

John was a Die-Hard Cubs Fan and he and Rosanne traveled to Wrigley Field as much as possible to watch their beloved Cubs. His life-long wish came true in October, 2016 when the Cubs won the world series. John also enjoyed watching Badger football, basketball and hockey, and watching his grandchildren play numerous sports throughout the years.

John was co-owner of Madison Sand & Gravel, Madison Crushing & Excavating, Madison Redi-Mix and Sun Prairie Concrete. He most recently resided at New Perspective Senior Living in Sun Prairie, where he enjoyed visiting with the other residents and sitting outside watching the concrete trucks drive by.

He is survived by his children, Debra (Ernesto) and Dennis (Ginger); four grandchildren, Angela (Keith), Damian (Rebecca), Ian and Sydney; four great-grandchildren, Silas, Ella, Ainslee and Luca; sister, Harriette; and sister-in-law Judy; and nieces Diana and Darcy (Joshua) and special friend Donna.
John was preceded in death by his wife Rosanne and brothers-in-law, David and William.

Visitation will be held at Cress Funeral Home, 5801 Highway 51, McFarland, on Thursday, September 14, 2017 from 4 p.m. to 7p.m.. Services will be held at McFarland Lutheran Church, 5529 Marsh Road, McFarland on Friday, September 15, 2017 at 11 a.m.. Additional visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of services on Friday at church. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. Guests are invited to a luncheon at the church fellowship hall.

The family extends gratitude and thanks to all the staff at New Perspective Senior Living, Home Instead Senior Care, Agrace Hospice Care and UW Hospitals and Clinics for their compassion, kindness and care. We are also grateful to Dr. Laura Buyan-Dent and Dr. Stanley Livingston for their excellent care. Special thanks to Kathy, Heather, "Nellie," and "Tom."

Memorials can be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research or Agrace HospiceCare.