Wayne L. Cook-WWII Veteran of DeKalb IL died March 30, 2011 at Oak Crest DeKalb Area Retirement Center.

Born 12.30.1920 in Nevada, Iowa the son of Virgil and Mabel (Livermore) Cook. Wayne was active in all sports and spent a great deal of time in Boy Scouting activities. He graduated from DeKalb High School in 1940 where he played on the "famous" 1939 Conference Championship Football team and continued his education at NIU. Enlisted in the US Navy where he was stationed in the Pacific with Halsey 3rd fleet on the aircraft carrier USS Belleau Wood as a radar technician. He married Virginia I. Rompf on his 24th birthday. Upon returning from service he joined his father in the electrical contracting business known as Virgil Cook and Son. Wayne became the sole owner in 1954. The company expanded and specialized in traffic signals and street lighting through out the state, and was recognized as a member of the NECA (National Electrical Contractor Association).

Wayne was very active in many community and civic endeavors, which included serving as past president of the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce, past president and 50-year member of DeKalb Rotary club. Wayne served as a director of the DeKalb Savings and Loan Association. He served on many committees over the 50+years as a member of the 1st Congregational Church. Wayne was a member of American Legion, a member of the Elks, formally a member of the Moose Lodge, YMCA and the DeKalb County Farm Bureau. Wayne was a strong supporter of the NIU Huskies.

Being an avid golfer Wayne was a member of the Kishwaukee County Club and Sara Bay County Club in Sarasota, Fl. He was a past president of KCC and served on numerous committees. Wayne was instrumental in establishing the Interstate Senior Golf League between several area clubs. He thoroughly enjoyed his winters in Sarasota on Lido Key sharing with friends and family. Traveling, sports, playing bridge, boating and aviation were important activities in his life that he shared easily with his family.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years Ginnie; two daughters, Janelle (John) Reints, DeKalb, IL and Jennifer (David) Amos, St.Louis Park, MN; four grandchildren, John Wayne (McKenzie) Reints, Jennifer (Dr. Matthew) Teusink, Jaime Reints, and Callee Amos; and two great-grandchildren Aidan and Lennox Reints; sister Doris (Roy) Follett, sister-in-law Donna (Lee) Carlson, cousin Bob Cook and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Dean Cook (MIA in WWII), his sister Beverly Selby and his brother-in-law Harold L. Rompf.

Visitation will be from 4-8 PM Sunday April 3 at Ronan-Moore-Finch Funeral Home, DeKalb, IL. A celebration of Wayne?s life will be held Monday, April 4, at 11:00AM at First Congregational Church, 615 North 1st Street, DeKalb IL with the Rev. Joe Gastiger officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery behind the Congregational Church with full military rites provided by DeKalb?s American Legion, V.F.W., and AmVets. A lunch will be served following the service in the church Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Wayne L Cook Memorial Fund in care of Ronan-Moore-Finch Funeral Home, 310 Oak Street, DeKalb, IL 60115 (815) 758.3841 or to the donor?s choice.

For information, visit www.ronanmoorefinch.com or call (815) 758.3841.

Service:
Monday, April 4, 2011

11:00AM

First Congregational Church
Visitation:
Sunday April 3, 2011

4-8 PM

Ronan-Moore-Finch Funeral Home