Michael Cook
March 17, 1949 ~ May 2, 2023
Michael (Mike) Morris Cook of Ree Heights, South Dakota passed away at Avera McKennan Hospital on May 2, 2023, at the age of 74 with his family at his side.
Celebration of Mike's life will be at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, July 29, 2023, at the Ree Heights Auditorium, Pastor Rhonda Wellsandt-Zell, officiating.
Mike was born March 17, 1949, to Jacques (Jack) and Georgia Cook in Miller, SD. He graduated from Miller High School in 1967. After graduating, Mike went to work on his family’s ranch south of Ree Heights. In 1971, he married the love of his life, Shirley Eschenbaum, and they moved into the house on the ranch where they lived until 1995 when they moved to the booming metropolis that is Ree Heights.
Mike spent his days working on the ranch. Through the years, he took care of his herd of cattle as well as ran summer grazing for yearlings and pairs for others. This included his parents “hobby herd” of over 200 Texas longhorns. He found several other jobs to keep him busy that included digging wells, custom haying, consigning cattle for auction barns, custom weed spraying, and hunting guide. Even though he had several different jobs throughout the years, his true love was spending time on the land.
While Mike’s primary hobby was spending time on the ranch he also greatly enjoyed fishing and hunting. Deer season was his favorite time of the year and he always looked forward to spending that time with his friends and family trying to get “the big one”. In his later years, he spent many hours making sure the the local birds and squirrels were well fed.
He is survived by his loving wife, Shirley; son, Vance (Rikki) Cook of New Hampton, Iowa; grandchildren: Anekka (Michael) White of Fort Dodge, Iowa, Devin Cook of Stanhope, Iowa; great-grandchildren: Kingstyn White and Katalayha White of Fort Dodge, Iowa; his sister: Jackie (Jerry) Poindexter of Miller, SD; as well as several uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, cousins, and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Jack and Georgia Cook of Ree Heights; stepfather, Don Soper of Ree Heights; and his brother, Terry Cook of Alaska.
Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Mike's arrangements.
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Our most sincere sympathy to you, Shirley, and your family. Through faith Mike has found his eternal home. May God bring you comfort through His love and Grace and May your good memories calm your fears and give you peace. Lovingly, Harlan and Kathryn
Sending our sympathy to Shirley and family.
Hugs and Prayers to Mike's family.50 some years of memories from high school days, being a neighbor, deer hunts, fishing and helping my kids with schoolwork. Never a dull moment when Mike came to visit-so glad that our family got to know him. God bless you all.
My sincere sympathy to the family of Michael Cook.
Shirley & family, l am sorry for the loss of Mike. Whenever we ran across one another l never knew what might come out of his mouth. I know that Ree Heights will miss him almost as much as you will.
Shirley, Vance and Rikki,
I am so sorry for your loss. Mike was a staple in the Ree Heights community. May you find comfort in the memories and feel the love of family and friends.
Sorry for your loss.
Our Deepest Sympathy
Dr. Dick and Kathy Splichal
Shirley & Family,
We were saddened to learn of Mike's passing. Our memories of him include times spent at the Highmore Auction Barn. Please know we are holding you close in thoughts and prayers. God bless.
Hugs and prayers for you and your family as you travel through this difficult time. Mike was one of a kind; trying to be gruff on the outside but caring and kind on the inside. He will be greatly missed.
Deepest condolences to all of the Cook family. Mike was one of a kind and will be missed by all who knew him. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless!
Shirley and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time ❤️❤️🙏🙏Love Melvin &LeeAnn
Sending my condolences to the cook family 🙏 my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Our Sympathy to you Shirley and family and to Jackie and family. Mike was one of a kind and always enjoyed visiting with him..so many memories for all of you 🙏🙏
Shirley and family. May angels walk with you today and always.
Patty