Bill Cook

Family was at the very heart of Bill Cook and there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for those he loved. A hard-working man with a strong sense of responsibility, Bill was a good provider and offered a good life for his wife and children. Bill enjoyed the friendships of many and made numerous memories along life’s way. He will be dearly missed.

By 1943, World War II was well underway and rationing throughout the U.S. was put into place to support the war effort. America’s manufacturing industry went from consumer goods to wartime material production as women entered the workforce in droves. When Glenn Miller introduced his all-time popular hit, “In the Mood”, it could not have come at a better time to lift the spirits of all amidst the challenges of war. Yet for Raymond and Erma (Couturier) Cook, the year brought forth the blessing of new life when on March 10, 1943, they welcomed the birth of their little boy, William into their hearts and home.

One of eight children, Bill was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan and was raised in Portage alongside his seven siblings, Charlotte, Judy, Fran, Barb, Debbie, Robert, and Raymond Jr. who was affectionately known as “Junior Boy”. His mother worked as a nurse at the Kalamazoo State Hospital to help support their large family. His father was a union painter. During his youth, Bill liked fishing. Having attended the local schools, he went on to graduate from Portage Central High School with the Class of 1963.

Life forever changed for Bill when he met the love of his life, Cynthia Dinges. While they met at a local roller-skating rink, she was a new student at Portage High School and the two quickly hit it off. Deeply in love, Bill married his sweetheart on April 4, 1964 at Zion Lutheran Church in Kalamazoo before a congregation of family and friends.

It wasn’t long before Bill and Cindy started a family of their own. They were blessed with the births of four children, Amy, Greg, Scott, and Brett. Very active in the lives of his children, Bill loved taking them camping and even helped coach their Rocket football teams. Bill was a loving but stern father as the kids would test him from time to time, but they never seemed to get away with things. He disciplined with love and they were better for it. As a family they enjoyed fond and special trips to Arizona, Tennessee and of course, Cedar Point.

Always close, Bill and Cindy shared much. A match only some dream about, the years were good to them. Together they enjoyed bowling and their passion for traveling all over the U.S. True helpmates and partners, they also worked well together in their gardens and making for a well landscaped yard. They took time for one another and spent time with friends enjoying the pleasures of life. Most importantly, they raised their family together in love. Treasured times were enjoyed by all making memories camping and spending holidays together with special friends.

Bill took pride in the fact that his wife could remain at home with their family. An electrician by trade, he worked from 1964 until eventually retiring in 2008. He was also a proud member of the IBEW Local 131 as a union electrician. He found much satisfaction in his work around the area and especially the work he did at Bronson Hospital.

When his beloved wife, Cindy died in 2017, it made for a very difficult time for Bill. With the love and support of close family and friends he made it through the most difficult of these days, but he missed her terribly. It was then when he began attending Zion Lutheran Church once again and became active there.

A big kid at heart, Bill was big on Christmas and loved buying presents on the special holiday. With family as his priority, he loved having his kids and grandchildren over. They knew right where he kept his bin of candy for them, and as always, he was sure to have the refrigerator full of their favorite type of soda. Bill loved his grandchildren dearly and was involved in their many activities, sporting events and school functions. He never hesitated in spoiling them whenever he could. In 2019, he treated his family to a cruise to Alaska. It was indeed a remarkable time together as a family. He also loved having his granddogs visit for a swim in the pond, a game of fetch, and of course, a bone.

Bill was never a big music lover, but he did like the sounds of John Denver, Fats Domino and the group, Creedence Clearwater Revival. An avid Michigan sports fan, many of his Saturday afternoons were spent cheering on the Maize and Blue. He even attended some of their games in Ann Arbor over the years. Bill was always sure to have a hearty appetite, especially for some of his favorites including steak, gizzards, frog legs, and bluegills. He also had quite a sweet tooth he was never shy to satisfy!

With his ever-present hard work ethic and strong sense of responsibility, Bill Cook was a good provider to those entrusted to his care and he taught his family well. A good-hearted man, Bill leaves much to be remembered in the hearts of those who knew him best.

Bill Cook, age 77, of Portage died on Thursday, September 24, 2020 at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo after a brief illness. Members of his family include his four children: Amy (Todd) Johnston, Greg Cook, Scott (Amy) Cook and Brett (Nancy) Cook, eight grandchildren: Brittany (Jay) Morrow, Luke Johnston, Joshua (Breena), Katie, Zachary, William, Jordan, and Nicholas Cook; one great-grandchild, Paisley Morrow and an expectant great-grandchild Caroleena. Other members of his family include his siblings: Judy McNett, Charlotte Lee, Deb Walker, Barb Longstreet, Fran Isaacs, Robert Cook. He was preceded in death by his wife, Cindy in 2017; his brother, “Junior Boy” and by two brothers-in-law: Bill Walker and Jim Isaacs. Cremation has taken place. Visit with family and friends on Thursday, (Oct 15) from 5-8 PM at the Betzler Life Story Funeral Home, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900 where funeral Services will be held on Friday, (Oct 16) at 11 am. There will be a post funeral lunch at the home of Amy Johnson and everyone is invited to attend. Please visit Bill’s personal web page at www.BetzlerLifeStory.com, where you can read his life story, archive a favorite memory or photo and sign his online guestbook before coming to the funeral home.