White Funeral Home
1315 Main Street
Jesup, Iowa 50648

JESUP - Richard Earl Cook, 93 years old of Jesup, IA, died Monday, March 10, 2025, at Glen Oaks Alzheimer’s Specialty Care Center, Urbandale, IA.

Funeral Services will be 10:30 a.m. – Saturday, March 15, 2025, at St. Athanasius Catholic Church in Jesup, with burial at the church cemetery where military honors will be accorded by Pump-Sheer American Legion Post #342.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Friday, March 14, 2025, at the White Funeral Home, Jesup, where there will be a Knights of Columbus Rosary said at 3:30 p.m. and a parish Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m. There will be no visitation prior to the funeral services, Saturday.

Richard was born November 5, 1931, in Waterloo, IA, the son of Earl Esbon Cook and Helen Catherine (Lynch) Cook. He graduated from Jesup High School with the class of 1950. He was drafted into the United States Marine Corp. in 1951 and lived in California during his basic training. On May 3, 1952, he was united in marriage to Phyllis Jean Dickey in Morrison, IL, and the couple ended up moving to Olathe, KS. Richard was an airplane mechanic during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1953. Richard and Jean moved to rural Jesup and purchased a farm with the help of their family. Richard farmed and worked for John Deere as a tool and die maker. He retired as a supervisor after 35 years with the company and continued to farm until he physically couldn’t do it anymore, finally taking his last tractor ride at the age of 86. Richard was a member of St. Athanasius Catholic Church in Jesup, Knights of Columbus Council 8227 in Jesup, Pump-Sheer American Legion Post 342 in Jesup, and UAW Local 838 in Waterloo.

Richard was a thoughtful man and loving husband. Jean was the love of his life, and he made sure she knew it. Richard also loved to farm. When he wasn’t farming, he was thinking about farming. He was proud to have passed on his love of farming to his son, Mike. Richard loved his family. He enjoyed spending time watching his grandchildren and great grandchildren and showing them the value of hard work and determination.

He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Phyllis JEAN Cook of Jesup; his son, Michael (Cinthia) Cook, of Jesup; three grandchildren, Nicole (Chad) Foelske, Jeffrey (Jill) Cook, Whitney (Steve) Benter, all of Jesup; five great grandchildren, Landen, Brantley, Hadley & Kenzingten Foelske, Gracelynn Cook; and his nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Russell Cook.

Memorials may be directed to St. Athanasius Catholic Church, Alzheimer’s Association, or UnityPoint Hospice.

Online condolences may be posted at www.White-MtHope.com
White Funeral Home, Jesup, IA, is in charge of the arrangements.