William "Bill" Joe Cook

William Joe Cook passed away on Thursday evening, February 9, 2023 and lived 81 boisterous, joy-filled years and was thankful for every day of it.  Bill was born on July 28th, 1941. He grew up in Hesperia, MI, living out in the country with his parents, Earl and Marian Cook, and his sisters, Mary Lou and Rosie. He was born with a mischievous streak a mile wide, and by the age of three had already gotten himself kicked out of Sunday school and off a local merry-go round.

After high school, Bill served in the US Navy on the USS Forrestal. He worked until retirement in manufacturing, in various supervisory positions. His love of people was unmatched, and it helped him be a beloved leader.

In 1968, Bill married Patricia Joling, whom he lovingly referred to as Patrick, and they had two children. They made a home in the country outside of Holton, MI, where they lived for over 40 years.

If you knew Bill, you probably knew he loved golfing, singing, and eating (though not necessarily in that order). He greeted every day, and everyone, with joy and enthusiasm.

His default was to love people, from the moment he met them. Bill had a deep, booming voice and a smile that just had to be answered.

In his later years, nothing brought Bill more joy than being with his family- he was so proud of his kids and grandkids.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Marian Cook; his sisters, Mary Lou Turner and Rose Ann Alexander; and his brothers-in-law, Leonard Eitniear and Gale Turner. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Pat; his children, Shawn VanderMolen, Tanya (Matt) Kolkema, Bill (Theresa) Cook, Jeannine (Josh) Escobedo, 14 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren, his brother-in-law Ron Alexander, brothers-and-sisters in law Dale and Priscilla Aue, Jerry and Judy Aue, Peter and Mary Joling, many beloved nieces and nephews, cousins, and his dear friends in  the Overboard Gang.

A very special thank you to the ICU staff at Trinity Health for the excellent, compassionate care that Bill received in the last two weeks.

There will be a time of visiting with the family at Kroeze-Wolffis Funeral Home from 4-7 PM on Friday, March 10, 2023.  There will also be a time of visiting with the family at Countryside Church of Christ in Hesperia from 10-11 AM on Saturday, March 11, 2023, followed by a Memorial Service at 11:00 AM with Pastor Dick Cotton officiating.  A luncheon will immediately follow the service at church.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be given to St. Jude Children's Hospital.  You can sign the online guest book at www.kroeze-wolffis.com  Arrangements are by Kroeze-Wolffis Funeral Home, Inc. of Fremont.

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