Leo Linus Cook

Leo Linus Cook, 87, of Lexington, Nebraska, passed away Sunday, August 10, 2014, at his home in Lexington. He was born September 23, 1926, in Greeley County, Nebraska, to Nickolas and Stella Marie (Canning) Cook. The youngest of five children born to this union; Annastacia, James, John, Joe and Leo. He graduated high school from Sacred Heart in Spalding, and then again, presented his diploma by Governor Orr for his service to his country. Leo joined the United States Army on August 6, 1945 and was honorably discharged on December 12, 1946. He served time in Japan. Upon his return from the Army he married his wife, Geraldine Marie Franssen on his 22nd birthday, September 23, 1948, in Greeley, Nebraska. While living in Greeley he worked as a carpenter and started his family of 12 children. The family moved to Lexington in 1957, where he became Janitor at St. Ann’s, the Dawson County Courthouse, St. Ann’s school and groundskeeper for both the church and the school. He spent a few years at Paulsen’s Construction and Sperry New Holland. Leo will always be remembered for the way he loved and cherished his wife and children. He was a “Jack of all trades and the master of none”. He will be remembered for his fantastic sense of humor. He could lighten up even the saddest moments. He was a hard worker and loved his garden and shared his produce for all to enjoy. Leo made beautiful furniture out of any type of wood and always had a love for animals and God’s creatures; from his pet opossum and his squirrel named Charlie, to his the many dogs who found his heart. He will be dearly missed by his large family and many friends. Survivors include his loving wife of nearly 66 years; Geraldine of Lexington, Nebraska; children; Frank (Sandy) Cook of Baker City, Oregon; Garry Cook of Lexington, Nebraska; Larry Cook of Lexington, Nebraska; Charlie Cook of South Heart, North Dakota; Margaret “Peg” (Jim) Dancer of Cameron, Missouri; Mike (Julie) Cook of Boise, Idaho; Barbara (Dennis) Barnhill of Lincoln, Nebraska; David (Chris) Cook of Greenwood, Nebraska; Paul (Chad) Cook of La Mesa, California; Amy (Timmy) Bohannon of Rossville, Tennessee; one sister, Annastacia Cannon of Colorado Springs, Colorado; and, one brother, Jim (Mary) Cook of Boise, Idaho; son-in-law, Dan Dargeloh of Milford, Nebraska; thirty-two grandchildren, twenty-six great-grandchildren; as well as many other family members and friends. Leo was preceded in death by his parents; two daughters; Mary Louise Cook and Stella Marie Dargeloh; and two brothers, Father John and Joe Cook; and two great-grandchildren, Anthony and Aryanna. Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, August 16, 2014, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Lexington with Father Neal Nollette officiating. Burial with Military Honors will be in St. Ann’s Catholic Cemetery at Lexington. Visitation with the family will be held Friday, August 15, 2014, from 5-6 p.m. with Rosary recited at 7:00 p.m. at St. Ann’s Catholic Church. Memorials are suggested, in lieu of flowers, to EWTN – Eternal Word Television Network. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family through: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.