Marlys Cook

With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Marlys Elaine Cook, 89, of Cedar Falls, Iowa, who entered the eternal embrace of the Lord on October 12, 2023, at UnityPoint Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo. Born on November 18, 1933, to Ralph and Valeda (Squires) Auner in Waverly, IA, Marlys's early years were spent working their family Grocery store in Janesville, alongside her brother Ray. It was there that she learned the values of hard work and the primacy of family. Sunday dinners with her grandparents held a special place in her heart. In her youth, Marlys was a standout on the Janesville High School girls' basketball team, earning the distinction of being a first-team All-State player. Her towering frame and long arms allowed her to secure many rebounds. After high school, she attended the University of Northern Iowa for two years and later obtained a degree in Nursing Home Administration from Des Moines Community College. On October 25, 1952, Marlys married her high school sweetheart, Cecil I. Cook Jr. They enjoyed a rich and fulfilling life together until his passing in 2011. During Cecil's two-year deployment in South Korea as a U.S. Army servicemember, Marlys faithfully wrote him a letter every day until his safe return. Their union resulted in three children, Brian (1955), Bradley (1958), and Gena (1964), and they later welcomed Deanna, a beloved foster daughter, into their family. Marlys dedicated over 30 years of her life to serving as a nursing home administrator, overseeing numerous facilities across Iowa, including a 16-year tenure at the Winneshiek County Care Center in Decorah, IA. A natural leader, Marlys had an innate ability to bring people together with her warm and compassionate delegation. In her later years, Marlys and Cecil cherished their travels across the country to visit their children and attend their grandchildren's sporting events. Family held a special place in Marlys's heart, evident from the walls adorned with pictures of her loved ones. She kept busy creating countless photo albums, knitting cozy blankets and scarves, and assembling puzzles. Marlys will be fondly remembered for her radiant spirit, her love for games, and her famous pecan pies. Marlys was a devoted member of the United Methodist Church for many years and a dedicated member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Marlys Elaine Cook leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication, and warmth that will forever be cherished by all who knew her. Marlys is survived by foster daughter, Deanna (Tom) Sullivan of Bloomington, IL; daughter-in-law, Susan Cook of Cedar Falls; son, Bradley (Chris) Cook of Cedar Falls; daughter, Gena (Robert) Bappe of Harford, SD; grandchildren, Alex (Nate) Oakland, Brooke (Beau) Fitts, Elizabeth (Tyler) Ford, Blake (Sarah) Bappe, Jeremiah (Cassie) Cook, Jennifer (Richard) Schlotfeldt, Daniel (Lindsay) Sullivan, and Laura (Tom) Feely; 26 great grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren. Nephew, Thomas Auner, and Niece, Becky Auner-Paulsen. Special friends, Cathy Dahlstrom, and Peggy Reiser. She was preceded in death by her son Brian Cook; her husband, Cecil Cook; her brother Ray Auner; and her parents. Pallbearers: Bob Bappe, Blake Bappe, Jeremiah Cook, Nate Oakland, Tyler Ford, Beau Fitts Visitation & Open Casket – Friday, October 20th 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm, Private Eastern Star service from 5:00-5:30 Richardson Funeral Service 615 Main St. Cedar Falls, IA 50613 Burial Service –Saturday, October 21st 10:00 am Washington Chapel Cemetery 7035 W Bennington Rd Cedar Falls, IA 50613 Funeral Service– Saturday, October 21st 11:30 am – Lunch to follow. All are welcome to join. Janesville United Methodist Church 424 Sycamore St. Janesville, IA 50647 The family invites everyone immediately following the service on Saturday to the church hall where a meal will be served. Memorials may be directed to the family to be designated at a later date.

Marlys Cook

November 18, 1933 - October 12, 2023