Obituary: Andrea Cook

Funeral Services

Funeral services will take place on Saturday, April 30, 2016 at 11:00 AM (Mountain).

American Legion Hall
Philip, South Dakota

Interment

Cottonwood Cemetery
Cottonwood, South Dakota

Visitation

A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Friday, April 29, at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip.

Print Obituary

In memory of

Andrea Cook

of Cottonwood, South Dakota, died on Saturday, April 23, 2016 at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip at the age of 66

Andrea J. Cook was born Nov. 22, 1949, to Charles and Iris (Privett) Brown in Huron.

She grew up in Huron but had country connections from the start, riding family horses, participating in 4-H and working at the local livestock barn. Those would be her first experiences with a world that would one day become her life.

She attended South Dakota State University to study journalism with an agriculture focus. But she also managed to focus on a young man from West River ranch country named Jerald Cook, who was pursuing an agriculture degree. They were married in Brookings on Feb. 19, 1972. Upon graduation for both, they moved back to a rustic homestead on the Cook family land near Cottonwood, which is great country, as the locals say, “if you don’t weaken.” They never did. It wasn't in their nature.

Never afraid of dirt on her hands or manure on her boots, Andrea loved the outdoors, wildlife and livestock and saw the value and importance of all lives, great and small. She and Jerald shaped their life together as a team, whether it was in raising their two children, Wendy and Jeremy, or slogging through wintry conditions during spring calving.

Soon Andrea was also incorporating her journalism training into their life partnership, joining the Pioneer Review in Philip in 1975 as a reporter. She worked for most of the next 25 years as reporter and editor for the Review and later for Ravellette Publications in Philip, all the while sharing the load on the ranch and raising kids. She also somehow found time to be active with 4-H, the United Church of Philip Christian Education, Philip Eastern Star, Haakon Community Library Board and various other organizations and groups.

She joined the Rapid City Journal as a reporter in 2002, and in the next 14 years excelled in covering education, agriculture, courts and cops and any type of breaking news. Along the way she inspired colleagues with her honesty and integrity and challenged them with her work ethic.

She barely took time out from covering the news for two knee-replacement surgeries and short recovery periods. When she ambled stiffly into the Journal newsroom after one of the surgeries, she was asked by another Journal staffer why she hadn’t taken more time off. She shrugged and said: “Oh, I got tired of sitting around the house. And there’s work to do.”

She always had plenty of that, and she believed in finishing it — whether it was rising early to drive from the ranch to Rapid City for a murder trial or staying up late back home to doctor a sick calf.

She earned the respect of news sources from police officers and prosecutors to defense lawyers and judges, from school teachers and bus drivers to superintendents and mayors.

She was known in the Journal coverage area for being fair and tough and accurate, but offered compassion for those who needed it. And she carried more than her share of newsroom duties, despite a succession of health challenges from ovarian cancer that, after eight years, finally took her life. But they never took her spirit. And for as long as she possibly could, she continued with her work and her hobbies, including camping, fishing, gardening and volksmarching, which she shared with Jerald and their grandson, Josh.

Andrea died on April 23 in the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip. Survivors include husband, Jerald Cook, of Cottonwood; daughter Wendy Cook (Ken Hernandez) of Rapid City; son Jeremy Cook (Danni) of Wall; grandson Joshua Reed Cook; mother Iris Brown of Huron; sisters Rhonda Brown Szpotanski of California, Tamara Hatle (Jerry) of Stickney and Lisa Schnieder (Kent) of Huron: and many relatives and friends across western South Dakota and beyond.

She was preceded in death by her father, Charles Brown, and an infant brother, Stephen Brown.

Visitation will be held 5-7 p.m. on Friday, April 29, at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip.

Memorial services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 30, at the American Legion Hall in Philip, with Pastor Kathy Chesney officiating.

Andrea’s passing is a painful loss that will linger long among those who loved her. But they will go on, as she would expect. After all, there’s work to do.

VISITATION
Friday, April 29 - 5-7 p.m.
Rush Funeral Home
Philip, South Dakota

MEMORIAL SERVICES
Saturday, April 30, 2016 - 11:00 a.m.
American Legion Hall
Philip, South Dakota

CLERGY
Pastor Kathy Chesney

MUSIC
Marianne Frein - Organist
Maureen Palecek - Vocalist
"Amazing Grace My Chains are Gone"
"Pastures of the Lord"

EULOGY READER
Chris Morris

USHERS
Lucas Stolhammer - Jared DuPont - Jason Morris

HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance

FINAL RESTING PLACE
Cottonwood Cemetery
Cottonwood, South Dakota

Sign the guestbook

My thoughts & prayers are with you all during this sad time. ~ Cindy Nuzum Wall, SD (4/29/2016)
Iris our prayer are with you and your family's at this time. Was sorry to here of Andres passing. We were neighbors growing up ,my sister still leave in the house we grew up in. SheShe always took my dog (Jake) with her when she would go out to the horse barn at the fair ground. She did love pet's ~ Dick Busch Huron S.D. (4/29/2016)
Our prayers are with you and your kids. Andrea was a very special person and friend - she will be missed very much. May God bless you all and give you comfort. ~ Dave and Liz Maude Black Hawk, SD (4/29/2016)
So sorry to hear of her passing, she was a very nice and talented person. ~ Ansel & Teresa Wooden Knife Interior, SD (4/27/2016)
Cook family, thinking of you all and sending heartfelt sympathy. ~ Don and Jolene Haynes Philip, SD (4/27/2016)
Iris, so sorry to hear about your daughter . Didn't realize who she was until I was visiting with Irene. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. ~ Jeanette Johnson Huron, SD (4/26/2016)
I had the opportunity to spend time with Andrea as she wrote diligently about the South Unit struggle to retain the Badlands for the tribe. She was a remarkable lady with integrity and discernment to bring out the truth. I'm saddened that I never told how much we appreciated her help.
I'm sorry for your loss of this remarkable lady. With great respect ,Sandra ~ Sandra Cuny Buffington Redshirt,SD (4/26/2016)
We are thinking of you folks during this difficult time. Hold onto all the wonderful memories. She was quite a lady, so full of life. ~ Les & Joann Pearson Philip, SD (4/26/2016)
My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. ~ Jeff Stilwell Westhampton New York (4/26/2016)
I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Andrea for several years and what I remember most is how much she adored her grandson, and her children. Praying for your family at this difficult time. Psalm 34:18 ~ Tanya Manus Rapid City (4/26/2016)
I am so sorry for your loss. I have known Andrea my whole life, growing up in Philip, but it wasn't until I got to know her as a reporter that I had a true understanding of who she was. My sister-in-law was murdered in Rapid City and Andrea covered not one, but two murder trials. It was an agonizing time for my family, but Andrea was so kind and respectful of us - and reported the trials with such compassion and heart. It was comforting that our story was being told in such a way. I thanked her then for her grace and respect to my family. I will always hold her in the highest regard. God Bless you all, and my deepest sorrow for the loss of a great lady. ~ Stacey Kennedy-Sharp Rapid City, SD (4/25/2016)
So sorry for your loss. Haven't seen her in years, but only fond memories of a sincere lady with an infectious smile. ~ Shawn Fitzgerald Memphis, TN (4/25/2016)
Thinking of the whole family. ~ Rene (Miles) Kimball & Melvin Kimball Bartley, NE. (4/25/2016)
Andrea and I left our jobs at about the same time in Philip. Before that we had coffee together most everyday! Very spirited conversations as we were on the opposite sides of the political fence but agreed our Christian values always kept us on the same page. I dearly loved her passion for nature, volks~marches, and commitment to God. She came to see me while she was taking treatments and we shed a tear when we said good-bye! I will see you again someday my friend....you are the best! ~ Judy & Paul Goldhammer Wall (4/25/2016)
With deepest sympathy, Andrea was a very special lady to my mother and our family, she will be greatly missed...an emptiness in our hearts. Thinking of all of you during this difficult time. May your hearts and souls find peace and comfort. ~ Ken and Loree Thompson Wall, SD (4/25/2016)
Jerald, Wendy, and Jeremy, So sorry for your loss. Andrea made the whole community proud with her reporting and the ability to give her stories a "local" point of view. I know she did so much more for all of you! I hope that memories of all the good Andrea brought to each of your lives will help you in this difficult time. Prayers and thoughts are with you. Gene and Monica Williams ~ Gene Williams Interior, SD (4/25/2016)
I had such respect for Andrea...as a reporter, as a friend. Through the years of book clubs, city council meetings and too many community meetings to count, you could be sure that Andrea had a way of cutting through the rhetoric and getting to the core quickly and fairly. Whether she was reporting a public meeting or writing a personal profile she was an accomplished writer. I am so sorry for your loss... ~ Nancy Ekstrum Philip (4/25/2016)
Sorry to hear of your loss. Andrea put her heart and soul into both family and reporting. There is no doubt a hole left in your lives by her departure. Thinking of you all in this time of sorrow. ~ Denise Perryman Isabel (4/25/2016)
So many fond memories of Andrea and the entire Cook family. Our hearts hurt with you, however our spirits rejoice with you that Andrea is no longer feeling the pain of this old earthly body. Oh to be in the presence of our Great God and Saviour Jesus Christ. Jerald, we will continue to pray with you...You have been a faithful husband and caretaker in the last years. Even though you will miss your dear Andrea, don't feel guilty that are entering a time of rest. Wendy, you will certainly miss Mom. Carry on her legacy. Seek God's guidance in such a worthy task. And Dear Friend and brother, Jeremy...Seek God and Press on. Your Mom and Dad loved you and their love aided in the growth of our friendship over past years. Even though we do not see each other often now, many memories remain very vivid. And Joshua...you have a great Grandma...we may not see her for awhile, but you have been blessed. I loved visiting with Andrea about writing and she encouraged me and the impact of that encouragement will hopefully continue on in and through me along with the many others that she impacted through her life journey. We will not be able to attend the service as we will be in Oregon to get our daughter Molly. God be with you. Larry, Robin, Rachel, Molly, Danny, Caleb, Julia and Kiersten. ~ Larry and Robin Reinhold and Family Rainbow Bible Ranch Sturgis, SD (4/25/2016)
We will miss meeting Andrea on the trail. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of sorrow. May God bless you. ~ Mary Jayne Jordan Sundance, WY (4/25/2016)
May you find comfort and strength during this difficult time. Andrea left a legacy with her journalism expertise. She had strength and courage in the face of adversity, whether at work or home. Our prayers and sympathy to you all. ~ Bill and Marsha Sumpter Kadoka (4/24/2016)
what do I say to easy the pain , So glad she was afriend thinking of the Christmass we were together . She always bought some kind of canned from her garden or fruit trees. May God help you thur these trying times. Our PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL LOVE YOU.... ~ Bonnie and Bruce Madsen Kadoka S.D. (4/24/2016)
It is so painful to say goodbye to Andrea, who was known as one of the toughest, fairest, most honest reporters ever to grace the pages of a South Dakota newspaper. One day recently, a veteran colleague described Andrea as the "heart and soul" of the Journal newsroom, a statement Andrea backed up by her good work, leadership and caring heart for many years at the paper. As an organization, our hearts go out to her family, who we know she loved so deeply. Andrea will never be forgotten, both as a journalist, rancher, wife and mother -- and as a great friend. May you rest in peace, our "Cookie." ~ Bart Pfankuch Editor, Rapid City Journal (4/24/2016)
My thoughts and prayers are with you. So sorry to hear of Andrea's passing. ~ Karen Hanson Rapid City SD (4/24/2016)
To the entire family of Andrea,
Extending You all our deepest sympathy for your loss; Keep all of the fond memories close to your hearts and lean on the Lord for the strength to get you thru the future days. Sincerely, Jerry & Kathy S. Noteboom ~ Jerry & Kathy S. Noteboom Lead, South Dakota (4/24/2016)
It is so painful to say goodbye to Andrea, who was known as one of the toughest, fairest, most honest reporters ever to grace the pages of a South Dakota newspaper. One day recently, a veteran colleague described Andrea as the "heart and soul" of the Journal newsroom, a statement Andrea backed up by her good work, leadership and caring heart for many years at the paper. As an organization, our hearts go out to her family, who we know she loved so deeply. Andrea will never be forgotten, both as a journalist, rancher, wife and mother -- and as a great friend. May you rest in peace, our "Cookie." ~ Bart Pfankuch Editor, Rapid City Journal (4/24/2016)
Jerald, Wendy & Jeremy - Our deepest condolences. May your memories help guide and comfort you through the days ahead. God's blessing to you all. ~ Brock & Brittany Smith Philip (4/24/2016)
Jerald, Wendy and Jeremy I want to express my deepest sympathy. My prayers are with you as you walk through the valley of the shadow of Andrea's death ~ Rev. Don Lagge Arvada, Colo (4/24/2016)
Jerald, Wendy, Jeremy~ my heart is hurting for you in your time of loss. Lots of memories of Andrea. You are all in my prayers at this time. ~ LaRee & Richard Lorenz Newcastle WY (4/24/2016)
Wendy and family. . .
My thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time. May you find peace and strength for one another. ~ Kristen Bouman White River (4/24/2016)
Jerald& family, So sorry to hear of Andrea passing. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. ~ Ralph & Cathy Fiedler 2130 Ellen St. Sturgis,S.D. (4/24/2016)
I am so saddened to hear of Andrea's passing. She was a super person and I enjoyed her reporting, etc. ~ Mary Jane Doyle Wall (4/24/2016)
Jerald, Wendy, Jeremy. I hope that you will find comfort and peace in the coming days. My thoughts and prayers are with you. ~ Phyllis Clingman Gillette, WY (4/24/2016)
Dear Jerald, Wendy, Jeremy and family, our hearts hurt to think that our vital and true friend of so many years is gone. Please know our hearts and prayers are with you today and in the coming days. God bless and keep you. ~ Kenny & Lyndy Ireland Philip, SD (4/24/2016)
Jerald, Wendy and Jeremy,
So sorry to hear of Andrea's passing. She was a woman of great talent and she will be missed in the newspaper world, as well as in your hearts. You have my deepest condolences. God bless you all at this very hard time. ~ Kelly Penticoff Philip, SD (4/24/2016)
Wendy and family--so sorry to hear about your mom. Even when they are sick, it is never easy to say goodbye. Cherish your memories and know she is free of pain. Prayers for strength and healing. ~ Pam and Keith Bonenberger Kadoka (4/23/2016)