Robert E. Cook

Robert Ernest “Bob” Cook, 88, of Dowagiac died peacefully Wednesday, January 15, 2025.

His life began January 7, 1937, in Cloquet, Minnesota as a member of the Ojibwa Tribe, the older of two sons born to Wilbur and Olive Cook.

Bob was strong willed and stubborn at times, but he also had an enormous heart and wonderful sense of humor.  He was generous, loyal, and brave.  Bob was clever and full to the brim with knowledge gained through all his life’s experiences:  master carpenter – he could fix or build anything - fisherman, hunter, explorer, lover of cars, and old-time music enthusiast.  He also loved nature, especially birds, fish, trees, and lakes.  Bob loved his cats, Magic, Nookaa, and Michaa.  He was a proud member of the Ojibwa Tribe and enjoyed attending pow wows.  Bob attended The Bridge Church in Dowagiac where everyone enjoyed spending time with him and where he volunteered many hours to help the church and support his friends there.

Bob was a giving, caring and selfless soul.  He served honorably in the U.S. Army.  Bob was a popular baseball coach for elementary school boys and girls and was a Boy Scout leader.  He shared his passion for his craft through mentoring others and would do anything for anyone.  Smart and a perfectionist, almost to a fault, Bob was very precise and would describe himself as occasionally being “stubborn.”

If you knew Bob, you loved him.  He will be remembered for all the heart he shard with his friends and family.  Bob loved spending time with Cheryl Pilaske, whom he cherished.  They would spend time with family and friends, attending concerts, trying different cuisines, dancing and simply enjoying life together.

Bob will be dearly missed by family and friends.  He is survived by his wife, Rhonda Silcox; his loving companion, Cheryl Pilaske; six children, Robert Licari, Julie Hicks, Cindy Cook, Lori Cook, Matthew Runs-With-No-Surname, Shawn Hale; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; one sister, Pam Cook; three brothers, Lance Cook, Keith Cook, Paul Cook; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Michael Cook; and one brother, Gordon Cook.

The family will observe a private remembrance.

Bob will be returned to the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa in Nett Lake, Minnesota.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner Family Funerals Connelly Chapel, Cassopolis. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.

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