Graveside services for Gary Cook, 64, of East Moline, IL, will be 9:30 am Monday at the Rock Island National Cemetery. Anyone wishing to attend should be at the Van Hoe Funeral Home Ltd., by 9:00 am Monday. Visitation will be 2:00-4:00 pm Sunday at the Van Hoe Funeral Home Ltd., where a liturgy service will be held at 1:30 pm. Mr Cook died Wednesday at his home. Gary was born Aug. 10, 1952, in Amesbury, Mass., the son of Caroline Pierce and Fred R. Cook. He graduated from United Township High School in 1971. In high school while working at National Grocery store in East Moline, he met his soulmate - Joan M. Lambrecht, whom he serenaded from atop of the freezer case and they married on August 12, 1972 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in East Moline. He served his country as a Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force from 1971 to 1974. Gary retired as a combine painter from Case IH in East Moline after 30 years. For the past 12 years, he worked at the Aldridge Early Learning Center in East Moline, where he was "Mr. Gary" to all the children whom he drove to and from the center. Blessed with a beautiful singing voice, Gary loved to play guitar and sing. He put his talents to good use whether it was singing in the St. Mary Catholic Church choir in East Moline or as "Gary the Bari" in the local TONAL INSANITY barbershop quartet. Gary was a kid at heart, loved life and bringing joy and laughter to all he met. He gave freely of himself, often aiding neighbors or volunteering his time helping others at church and those in need. He had a colorful sense of humor and was quick to tell a joke. He loved his family and cherished time with his precious grandchildren. His grandkids will always remember their Grandpa Gary as the one always telling goofy jokes, playing games with them and teaching them how to slide down carpeted stairs on their bottoms. He loved to make them laugh and be happy. Surviving are his wife, Joan; children, Kevin A. (Kevin Gibbs) Cook, Coal Valley, IL, Matthew T. (Monica) Cook, Colona, IL; grandchildren, Skyler, Gavin, Solana, Addie, Korbin, and another due to be born in December; brothers: Fred Cook Jr., Florida and Ernie (Carol) Cook, Silvis. He was proceeded in death by his parents and sister,Judy Gemma. A memorial fund has been established for Gary's grandchildren. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.vanhoe.com

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Monday, August 22, 2016 9:30 AM

Rock Island National Cemetery Rock Island Arsenal Island Rock Island, Illinois 61201