Doug C. Cook
December 29, 1963 ~ December 11, 2015
Doug C. Cook, 51, passed away Friday, December 11, 2015, after a tragic accident doing what he loved'working in his garage. Funeral Services: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, December 16, 2015, at the Mechanicsville Fire Department. Visitation: 3-7 p.m. Tuesday, at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Mount Vernon. Inurnment: at a later date.
He was born December 29, 1963, in Cedar Rapids to Micki and Don Panek. At age six, he was adopted by his father, Jerry Cook. Doug graduated from Lincoln High School in Stanwood. He married Deanna Myers on August 22, 1987, in Mechanicsville. Family was incredibly important to him; he spent his life 'making memories' by spending time with family and friends, camping, boating, and being outdoors. Doug was a 'Mr. Fix-it''always working on projects around the house and assisting anybody who needed help.
Doug was a volunteer firefighter with the Mechanicsville Fire Department for 30 plus years, and also worked for Alliant Energy. He was a dedicated volunteer firefighter and spent many hours working at the fire station and mentoring new volunteers. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Survivors include his wife, Deanna; daughters, Kelsey (Adam Deahl), and Sarah; grandchildren, Greyson and Avah; mother, Micki Cook; birth father, Don (Diane) Panek; sisters, Michelle Boggess; Denise (Ron) Skow; Cyndi Cook; best friend and honorary brother, Mike (Patti) Doser; sisters-in-law, Michelle (Tony) Wagner, and Brenda Junge (Brian Bartling); mother-in-law, Carol (Whitey) Gesling; father-in-law, Art Myers; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins; all of the Mechanicsville Fire Fighters; and Winston the wiener dog.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents; and father, Jerry Cook.
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He was an incredible neibor i remeber when i was around 10 years old and i stopped by boots body shop one day on my bike when he worked there and i asked him if he would fix my bike brakes and he fixed the breaks then i rememeber always coming to visit with him and the family then in the winter time i always helped him with all the snowblowing or mowing or anything that needed to be done and the first snow this year he helped me clear the sidewalks and i helped him with the driveway and sidewalks also rest in peace doug you will be deeply missed neibor
Doug was a Great Friend through middle school and high school. We worked on our bikes and cars together. Enjoyed lifting weights and just messing around town. Doug was always there when I needed a hand. The best black eye I ever received is when Doug and I were in wrestling, and he popped me a good one with the back of his head. Although I haven’t seen Doug in a long time, I consider Doug a Great Friend that will be missed!!!
John Skow
Deanna,
When I learned of Doug’s death, there were so many thoughts of Doug that rushed forward from my memories of growing up with him in Mechanicsville. His quite determination either on the wrestling mat or resolving a mechanical problem with his Ford Maverick. As early as High School he was already a gifted craftsman in repairing cars damaged in fender benders. He was always quick with a smile and a good friend to all. Over the past 25 years, I have not spent much time in Mechanicsville, but when I did visit and had a chance to see Doug we eventually had to do a flex of our biceps (old tradition from High School) to see who had best retained their form. Doug always won the comparison!
Deanna, I remember the summer you and Doug had started dating, he and I were bailing hay at the Hoy’s. We took a break and were chatting under a shade tree. The conversation turned to how much he cared for you. Listening and observing that quite determination, I could tell that you were the love of his life. My sincerest condolences for your loss.
Paul Randolph
Washington, D.C.
Doug, You took me under your wing when I first started my fire fighting career. I learned alot from you. Love Sloth…the nickname that you gave me. Until we meet again my friend.
I am so sorry for your loss. Sending love and prayers your way Deanna, Kelsey, Sarah, and family.
Deanna,, Kelsey and Sarah…when I heard of Doug’s passing…I sobbed. Not only did I have the honor of serving with him on the fire and ambulance dept., I got to know a wonderful, funny and compassionate man. I remember during the bad ice storm when we were at the fire station…Riley was so little and Doug knelt down one 1 knee and spoke to Riley so sweetly. From that moment on..Riley was attached to Doug. After all that Doug would stop over if we were outside and play with Riley or Riley would come over to visit Doug. We loved Doug so much. I still can’t process it; but I will always hold the memories in my heart from serving on the dept. with him…to just simply being able to call him my friend. Love you all… Deanna, Kelsey and Sarah.
I’m so very sorry to hear of this huge loss. I knew Doug from countless County Fire Meetings over the years and working some mutual aid fires together. Was always impressed by his dedication and his ability to see the lighter side of the darkest situations. You will be truly missed old friend…….John Miller
So sorry to hear about Doug. I had a great time talking and getting to know him at the rotary auction in Tipton. Just from the little time I got to talk to him, he seemed like a hard working, down to earth, good guy. Just wanted to send prayers to Dee and the rest of Doug’s family. -Erik Stegemann
Sarah, sending healing prayers and comforting hugs. We are so sorry for your loss.
Sorry for your loss – Doug was a great man! I got the privilege of working with him at Alliant and he was well respected by all he worked with. Thoughts and Prayers are with you and your family during this time. – Charisma Wickham
Words can never do justice in trying to describe emotions. We have had the pleasure of being neighbors for nearly 2 1/2 decades now , and we have lost a very strong and influential part of our community. Doug certainly made the most of his time here with us, through fun with family and friends to the countless hours he spent making our community better through his service with the fire department, his efforts and heart were always in the right place.
Thank you Doug, you will be missed.
Jeff and Lavonne Christianson
Dee, Kelsey, and Sarah, Greyson, and Avah, I cannot even begin to express the sorrow that is felt at the loss of Doug, husband, father, grandfather to all of you, and wonderful friend to us. Who would ever have known how going out to go boating with the family one day would lead us to meet some of the greatest people we have met since moving to Iowa. We love you guys like our own family. Heaven gained one great guy and he is now your guardian angel, here to watch over you, until you meet again. I wish I had the words to say to make you feel better, but there are none to be found. Doug was one in a million…..and so are each of you. We are here for you if you need anything at all. Hugs, love and prayers. Tina, Chris, Amanda, Mariah, and Evan Gaby
Dee ,I am so sorry to hear about Doug. You, the girls, and those little ones are in my thoughts. Thinking of you. Cami
My deepest heartfelt condolences to you and your family, Deanna; the family and friends of Doug, and the community he served. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
David Skow
Westport, Connecticut
So sorry to hear about Doug. He was such a great guy. Chris Lamont
My deepest sympathy to family and friends. i have many fond memories of driving to school or just cruzing around mcville with Doug., listening to music. he introduced me to AC/DC. In my prayers. Hughie
So sorry to hear of this news. As a classmate of his, I remember Doug as being such a terrific guy in high school. From all the memories shared here, I can tell he grew into a wonderful, lovely man. Deanna, my heart goes out to you and to your family. You are in my prayers. Vonda Meyer
Deanna,
I am so sorry to hear about Doug. The two of us both moved to Mechanicsville and started attending Lincoln in the 6th grade and I always considered him a good friend during our school years. I remember back to when some of us would camp out in someones yard and then sneak off and run around town at all hours of the night. We thought we had the World by the tale!!! After school, our lives took different paths and we lost touch, but by chance, I had an opportunity to visit with him briefly outside of your home this past summer. Your grand-kids were playing in the yard and it was very clear how proud Doug was of his family, along with the love he had for them. He was a great man. Cherish the memories!!! Larry Hunt
Thinking of you Sarah and your whole family during this difficult time.
my deepest sympathy to your family!
So sorry for your loss prayers are with you
Dee and family- I am so sorry for your loss. May you gather strength with each other and in the wonderful memories of Doug. My prayers are with you.
Deanna and family,
Very sorry to hear about your sudden loss of your husband, father, and grandfather. I can’t imagine what you all are going through. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this very difficult time.
Sincerely,
Lori (Langenberg) Stopko
Sincerest sympathies to your and your daughters, Dee. I sounds like he was a wonderful man who left us too early.
Brenda/Brian and entire Family,
Sorry to hear of your loss and you have my deepest condolences.
– Jeff Decker
He was a good friend and a brother firefighter he will be missed by many R.I.P BROTHER
Don’t even know where to start, to many to list!
My thoughts and love are with the family and friends!