Owen D. Cook

Owen Dale Cook, 91, of Cadillac, Michigan formerly of Traverse City, passed away into his saviors’ arms, with his family by his side singing hymns and holding his hand. Owen was born on September 3, 1934, in Manton, Michigan to the late Vern and Mildred (Harrington) Cook. Owen proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force for over 20 years. He served in Vietnam, and at home, as a parachute packer and missile silo worker. After retiring from the military, he became an orderly and later an LPN at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City. This is where he met his wife, Suann “Sally” Geroy. After retiring for the 2nd time, he took care of Sally until she passed away in 2003. After her passing, Owen found a new purpose, he became a host dad to foreign exchange students for 15 years. This was a great joy; he loved gaining extra kids and loved each one of them. When Owen moved to Cadillac, he made many good friends at Green Acres. After moving into the Loft Apartments, he would continue to visit his friends at Green Acres daily. Friends, Robin and Jerzy, the Clam Lake family and Jamey from the after 26 Depot, blessed him with friendship and loving kindness. Owen was fiercely independent and loved to help and care for others. He enjoyed old country music, gospel songs and going to church. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Mary Tayler, granddaughter Heidi Tayler, his first wife, Alice Planck, a sister, Verna Cook and his wife, Sally Cook. Owen is survived by his daughter, Laurie Torres of Jefferson, Oregon, a son, Tom (Roselinda) Cook of Amarillo, Texas, daughter, Christy (Al) Buchanan of Traverse City and son Jeremy (Olivia) Cook of Mesick, a granddaughter, Grace Cook of Mesick and a brother, Jerry (Suzy) Cook of Fort Myers, Florida and his former wife, Julie VanBuskirk. Also surviving are 11 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews, all who he loved dearly and will miss him. Owen will be laid to rest with his wife, Sally, with full military honors at a later date. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial donation to Hospice of Michigan, 10850 E. Traverse Hwy #3325, Traverse City, Michigan 49684. Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Owen’s family at his tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.

Owen D. Cook

September 3, 1934 - November 21, 2025