GEORGE J. COOK

Palmer resident, Mr. George Cook, 71, died peacefully at his home Feb. 3, 2004.

Funeral services were held Feb. 5 at 3 p.m. at Valley Funeral Home, 151 E. Herning Ave. in Wasilla. Burial will follow at Palmer Pioneer Cemetery.

Mr. Cook was born July 20, 1932, in Newark, Ohio, to Lela and George Cook.

He was a longtime resident of Wichita Falls, Texas, before moving to Alaska in July of 1999.

Mr. Cook served three tours of duty in the U.S. Army serving in Germany, Japan and Korea.

Mr. Cook was a skilled laborer and held various jobs, including foreman of turkey farms, apartment manager and commercial driver. He enjoyed taking care of birds and plants.

His family wrote, "He was a considerate and loving husband."

Mr. Cook is survived by his wife of 10 years, Virginia Mae Cook; sons George Henry Cook Jr., Billy Cook, Ricki Cook, George Cook and step-son Steve Harrison; daughters Gail King, Vivian Hart, Edna Cook and Vickie Cook; step-daughter Angela Sampley; and numerous grandchildren.

Arrangements were made by Valley Funeral Home & Crematory in Wasilla.