Richard Cook

Richard A. “Rick” Cook, age 75, of Wisconsin Rapids passed away Sunday, November 17, 2024 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at the Wisconsin Rapids United Methodist Church. Pastor Kyochul Shin will officiate. Visitation will be from 4:00-8:00 P.M. on Tuesday, December 3, at Herman-Taylor Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids, and from 9:00 A.M. until the time of services on Wednesday at the church.
Rick was born May 27, 1949 in Waukegan, IL to Arthur and Edith (Ellis) Cook. He graduated from Salem Central High School (Salem, WI) in 1967 and from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in 1971, where he was also a member of the Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity. He married Ellen Goddard on October 27, 1973 in Marinette, WI. They just recently celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary.
Rick retired from Port Edwards Public Schools in 2005, after nearly 35 years of teaching. There, he was a respected elementary education teacher and driver’s education instructor. Rick’s dedication to his students was unparalleled and he was an honored recipient of the Teacher of the Year award. Upon retirement, his passion for teaching continued. From the time of retirement until recently, he continued instructing young drivers, through his work with Driver Education Specialists. Rick was far more than just a teacher; he was a mentor and friend to his students, guiding them with a gentle hand and a kind heart.
In addition to his passion for teaching, Rick greatly enjoyed officiating high school sports. His 40 years of service officiating WIAA sporting events, including football, baseball, and basketball, led to lifelong connections with other area officials, and further solidified his commitment to education of area youth. He was also a member of the National Association of Sports Officials (NASO) and the Wisconsin Retired Teachers Association.
Rick was an active member of the Wisconsin Rapids United Methodist Church where he served in various capacities, including Chairman of the staff parish committee, member of the stewardship committee, and on the Church Council. He also served as a Sunday School Teacher, sang in the church choir, and was part of the United Methodist Men’s Club.
Rick’s love for life was infectious and he had a way of making every moment special. When he wasn’t shaping young minds, he reveled in the simple pleasures in life. One of these was watching wildlife. Many mornings, Rick enjoyed sitting on the back deck, or in the living room, and watching birds, squirrels, and deer in the woods near their home. His other hobbies included downhill skiing, woodworking, motorcycle rides, boating, and spending quality time with his loved ones. A lifelong Wisconsin sports fan, he was always ready to cheer on the Brewers, Packers, or Wisconsin Badgers. A favorite place of Rick’s over the years was Door County, Wisconsin. Many summers were spent there camping, boating, exploring, and enjoying family time together.
His laughter and stories enlivened many conversations with friends and family. A favorite tradition of Rick’s was “coffee talk.” He treasured this time with his wife Ellen, kids, and grandkids, talking about everything and nothing at all, while enjoying a fresh cup of coffee. Another cherished family tradition that he enjoyed was the annual “Grandpa and Grandma Camp,” a week-long adventure of making lasting memories with grandchildren, which was a true testament to his love for his family.
Rick’s wife, Ellen, was his partner in all his adventures and together they created so many beautiful memories that will be treasured forever. Rick and Ellen ventured countless backroads together on the motorcycle or Spyder. They always treasured their time exploring the rolling hillsides of the driftless area of southwest Wisconsin, or taking in the fall colors along the curvy backroads of Door County. Through all of life’s seasons, they traveled the road together.
Rick is survived by his loving wife, Ellen; son, Christopher (Karen) Cook of Rochester, MN; daughter, Mackenzie (Jonathan) Schulz of Kronenwetter, WI; grandchildren: Caleb Cook, Carlie Cook, Cooper Schulz, Cullen Schulz, and Cameron Schulz; three sisters: Louise (Ken) Miller of Greenfield, WI, Dianne (Wes) Panzer of La Crosse, WI, and Christine Cook (Mukhtar Gani) of Bayside, WI; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A memorial is being established in Rick’s honor to directly benefit area students and their education.
Herman-Taylor Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family.