Stephen L Cook

Stephen L. Cook, 58, of Cayuga, IN & Georgetown, IL passed from this life on Saturday, October 15, 2011 at 7:14 pm at Provena USMC while battling cancer. Steve was born July 27, 1953 in Danville, IL to Phillip E. and Elsie M. (Haworth) Cook. He married Bonita K. Patterson on January 1, 1975 in Georgetown, IL. He was the proud father to: Michelle L. (Justin) Wiersema, of Plainfield, IL; Sara J. Cook, of Suffolk, VA; Steven R. Cook, of Georgetown, IL and was proud to be "Gramps" to Kaylie Brooke Wiersema. Steve graduated from Georgetown High School and served in the U.S. Navy. He was a third generation coalminer & proud member of the UMWA for 39 years. He retired from Ziegler Coal Company in Murdock, IL. After retirement Steve owned and operated Cook's Car Wash, Cook's Bait N' Stuff, and Screen-It. Steve is survived by his mother, wife, children, two sisters: Pamela Sembar (Steve Pearson), of Georgetown, IL; Penny Cook (Bob Jurczak), of Georgetown, IL; one brother John "Pete" Donaldson, of Ventura, CA; and special cousin, Jeanie (Brett) Hayes, of Danville, IL. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Donna (Bob) Brimner, of Paris, IL & brothers-in-law: Robert, Richard, and John Patterson of Georgetown, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. Anyone that knew Steve knew he lived life to the fullest. He made many great friends throughout his life including two special friends, Randy Jackson and Ray Hamm. Steve enjoyed the outdoors especially four-wheelin', hunting, fishing, gardening, playing cards and farming. He enjoyed gathering with friends for deer camp, get-a-ways to Mill Creek, and spending time with his "sandbox buddies." In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Provena Regional Cancer Center. Visitation will be held Tuesday, October 18, 2011 from 4-7 pm at Sunset's Houghton-Leasure Funeral Home in Georgetown, IL with a memorial service being performed at 7 pm by Rev. James Blue. Per his wishes, Steve will be cremated and a private celebration of life will be held at a later date.