Donald "Duck" Cook, 68, of Rib Mountain, passed away on June 3rd at the Wausau Aspirus Hospital, after a two year battle with bone cancer. Donald was born on January 9th, 1947 to the late Donald Sr. and Eva (Washburn) Cook in Marshfield, WI. As a child, his parents decided to move the family from Rib Falls to Rib Mt., where he resided for the greater portion of his life. After graduating from Wausau High School in 1965, he immediately joined the U.S. Navy. During his four years of service, he was stationed at Pensacola Naval Air station, spending some time on the same ship with his brother, Colin. While serving, Don earned the National Defense Service Medal. He was also a member of the Man of Honor Society in Wausau.Upon returning home from the navy in 1970, Don married to Marian Lemke and had two children, Jesse and Pam.He worked in construction for many years, but his passion was tree trimming and removal. Rarely using heavy equipment, Don often drew crowds to observe the artistic touch he put into his work as he tackled seemingly impossible trims and removals with his climbing spikes, ropes and various saws. He was an avid Packer fan who loved to watch the games with his family and friends. He also loved being outdoors, hunting, tinkering with things in the shed, playing horseshoes, telling jokes and playing jokes on others. Don appreciated a good cigar with a few beers and his friends after a good day's work.Donald is survived by his son, Jesse, and daughter-in-law, Hildy Cook; daughter, Pamela Cook; two granddaughters, Ashley Cook and Emily Brubaker; six brothers and sisters, Colin Cook, Kathleen (Randy) Klemp, Eileen (Donald) Neumann, Roger (Jan Jordan) Cook, Keith (Julie) Cook and Chris (Bill) Kriewaldt).Our family is extremely proud of the fight he put forth against cancer and would like to thank everyone who provided prayers, support and compassionate care for him.Condolences may be given at (www.honorone.com). The burial will be held at the Mosinee Public Cemetery, beginning at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 18th.

Wausau Daily Herald Jul 12 2015