Robert Lowell Cook

Robert Lowell Cook, 97, of Richfield, Minnesota, formerly Aitkin went home peacefully to be with the Lord on October 23, 2024, at Minneapolis VA Medical Center.

Robert was born on June 23,1927, to Robert William and Louise Cook (Schroeder) in Aitkin, Minnesota. He grew up in Aitkin County on the family farm. His father taught him to hunt and fish, which became his favorite pastime throughout his life. He never let age stop him, shooting a deer using a crossbow for the first time at age 93. He was ever ready to teach anyone the skills he had acquired through the years with a smile. His children fondly remember the many fishing trips in which he spent hours on end baiting the worm on the hook for one, while removing a sunfish for another - never getting his own line in the water. At the same time, repeatedly reminding them NOT to play with the bobber in the water. “You will never catch a fish that way!” he’d say.

Being independent and adventurous, he left home before he was 17 to strike out on his own. He worked in Brainerd for Northern Pacific Shops until he entered the United States Navy on August 30, 1945, serving as a Boiler Tender third class in the Pacific Fleet. He was honorably discharged on August 31, 1949, after which time he immediately entered into the United States Naval Reserve, at one point serving on the notable “USS Midway” before being honorably discharged on August 31, 1953. While being part of the Navy occupation in Japan, he went ashore to Nagasaki right after the bombing. They were not told of any of the Japanese customs, and he was thoroughly surprised when the Japanese would get off the sidewalks ahead of them and bow as they walked by.

Even with his busy life in the service, he still managed to meet and marry his wife, Delores Meier on August 16, 1951. To this union was born their children Deborah, Pamela and Robert Junior. Robert was a loving husband and father and never hesitated to welcome their friends into his home. Living a long life gave him plenty of time to enjoy his grandchildren and great grandchildren for which he always beamed with pride at their many accomplishments. He worked most of life as a repairman for Sears, Roebuck and Co., and was always ready to lend a hand to anyone in need of his help. After the death of his wife, he took up the task of cooking and was always looking for new recipes to try, the spicier the better. His loving smile and hugs will be missed by all.

Robert is survived by his children; daughter Deborah O’Bryan of Sturgis, South Dakota, son Robert Lowell Cook, Jr. of Richfield, Minnesota. Grandchildren; Wil Lee of Elk River, Minnesota, Katie (Tyler) Valandra of Sturgis, South Dakota, Kristina (Robert) Olivarez of Silsbee, Texas, Jacob O’Bryan of Moorpark, California, Benjamin O’Bryan of Plano, Texas. Great grandchildren; Jalin, Makenna, Clark, Atlas, Hannah, Kody, Robert and Dylan. He is also survived by his sister Ann (David) Schultz of New Richland, Minnesota and brother William (Phyllis) Cook of Aitkin, Minnesota. And many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Delores, daughter Pamela Lee, grandson Caleb Lee, son in law Michael O’Bryan, brother Richard Cook, sister Marjorie Marovelli, parents, Robert and Louise and step-mother Helen..

Funeral Service will be 11:00am – Monday, November 4, 2024 at Sorensen-Root-Thompson Funeral Home in Aitkin.  Visitation will be 5 – 7pm Sunday at the funeral home and will continue 1 hour prior to the service.  Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Morrison Township, Aitkin County.  Military honors will be accorded by Aitkin American Legion Lee Post #86 and VFW Roberts-Glad Post #1727.  To leave a message of condolence please go to www.srtfuneral.com.

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