Obituary of Kenneth R. Cook

Kenneth R. "Wookie" Cook, age 41 lifetime resident of Iowa City, died Monday, April 11, 2016, surrounded by his family and friends following his fight with cancer. Funeral services will be held at 7pm Thursday, April 14, 2016, at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service, where visitation will be after 5 pm until services and following the services. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Iowa City Hospice, who have cared for Ken and his family in their usual loving and professional ways! Online condolences may be sent for his family through the funeral home website @ www.gayandciha.com. Ken was born August 27, 1974, in Iowa City the son of Robert "Cookie" and Linda (Hartley) Cook. Growing up in Iowa City he attended Regina Catholic Schools graduating in 1993 and later attended Kirkwood Community College for a couple of years. His first job outside of the paper route he had for years was working for his father at the former Pearsons Pharmacy in Iowa City. He later worked for Randall's Grocery Store, the former Osco's now CVS Pharmacy, and for past 13 years you would see his gentle giant stature behind the counter at Lenoch & Cilek Ace Hardware Store, their eastside location. He also enjoyed his "hobby jobs" at That's Rentertainment and Sal's Music Emporium. In high school, Ken lettered in Drama, as a thespian he played lead male role in Hello Dolly. Ken enjoyed many passions in his life, playing bass and singing vocals in local bands over the years, listening to all forms of music, especially heavy metal and rock, writing novels that he began in high school, watching and reading any movies and stories of horror, and true to Ken's nature he truly loved his family, many friends and so many animals along the way. If you knew Ken, you knew a man who could stand over you, almost intimidate you, but would be the most caring friend you would ever have. He was always fighting for the underdog in our world! His family includes his mother and her husband, Linda and Darrell Flinn; dearest soulmate, Eleanor Ray; grandmother, Mildred Hartley; aunt, Syndey Jane Alber; two step-brothers, Brad Flinn and Brian Flinn, Uncle Tom Hartley and his family; and so many very dear friends; all who already miss their "Wookie"! He was preceded in death by his father, grandparents, and beloved dog, Verni.