LOIS COOK

Lois Ione Cook, of Mora, passed away on Tuesday, June 6, 2023 at the New Dawn Country House near Grasston.  She was 83 years old.

Lois was born on September 13, 1939 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to parents Clifford and Doris (Millay) Odean.  She grew up in St. Louis Park where she graduated from high school. Lois met Pat in the youth program at church in St. Louis Park, they were married and began their family, having three children, Todd, Jodie, and Trevis. They moved their family up north and settled in Ogilvie, Minnesota. After raising their children together, Lois and Pat decided to part ways.

Lois worked at Amoco, (Commercial Plastics, Inc.), in the Finishing Department where she was promoted to a foreman position. After many years she ended her supervising career and began working in the kitchen at Mora Schools where she retired after 15 years of dedicated service. Lois loved her job at the school, several of her grandchildren attended school there and she enjoyed giving them cookies and extra treats. She always made sure they were well fed!

Lois married Lyle Cook on June 11, 1988, they lived in Brook Park, Minnesota. They loved to go camping, they had a Mini Winnie and took many camping trips each summer. Their trips included Montana, South Dakota, Washington State, and many trips exploring Minnesota. They loved birdwatching and had a book to mark the first sighting of many species every spring. Lois could name many bird species with stunning accuracy. She grew flowers to attract the birds and was very proud of the outdoor oasis she created with Lyle. They enjoyed family picnics on their patio and for many years it was the family gathering place.

Lois had a kind, generous heart and her family mattered most to her. Lois spent a lot of time caring for her granddaughter who has disabilities and tirelessly offered support, encouragement, and unconditional love. Lois and her granddaughter particularly enjoyed dining out at Freddie’s Restaurant in Mora. They were ‘regulars’ and often the Diet Pepsi was waiting as they sat down. Freddie’s was their "Cheers", where everyone knows your name and they were always glad you came.

Lois loved Twins Baseball. She was an avid fan and watched the entire season, win or lose. She attended her first live game at Target Field September 13, 2022, on her 83rd birthday! She had a great time, and the Twins did not disappoint with a grand slam, a homerun, many base hits, and a win!

Lois was an animal lover, currently her only pet was a 12-year-old cat named Lily. She loved all cats and dogs, and they did not go hungry when she was around. She was often busted sharing her dinner with the dog who would sit patiently waiting for her to slip him/her a bit. No pets went away hungry, she always made sure they were very well fed!

Lois enjoyed watching TV. She loved Dr. Phil, Wheel of Fortune, WCCO News at 5 and 10, Mike and Molly, and on a morning talk show in 2014 she fell in love with Norbert, the dog. She followed his adventures for years, purchased his memorabilia, a coffee cup, calendars, storybooks, and a stuffed replica of himself. She also collected porcelain dolls, The California Raisins, and My Pals beanie dolls.

Lois had a great sense of humor, was loved by many, cherished by some, and will be missed dearly by all who were blessed to share her life. Truly, a life well lived.

Lois is preceded in death by her parents; husband Lyle; siblings, Gary, Sharon, and Sue; daughter-in-law Deb Tilberg; and step-son Dennis.

She is survived by her children, Todd (Mary) Tilberg, Jodie Evenson, and Trevis Tilberg; step-children, Richard (Sharon) Cook, Sandy (Mark) Games, and Linda (Craig) Eichhorn; grandchildren, Crystal (Dave), Christopher (Sara), Alecia (Howard), Jakob (Sarah), Alex (Erin), Issak, Jason (Amber), Josh (Cindy), Sammie, Dan, Steve, Leah, Timothy (Kim), Amy (Patrick), Allison (Dustin), Charles, and Milda (Joshua); 26 great grandchildren and 1 great great granddaughter; sister Myrna Hilgers; brother Tom Odean; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, June 17, 2023 at the Hamilton Funeral Homes – Akkerman Chapel in Mora with Pastor Kate Mensing officiating. 

Memorial Visitation will be held 1 hour prior to the service. 

Inurnment will be in the Oakwood Cemetery in Mora. 

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