McLean – Gary V. Cook, 71, of McLean, passed away at Carle Hospital Champaign on Friday, August 8, 2025.
Cremation Rites have been accorded. Private services will be held.
Gary V. Cook was born August 1, 1954, in Lincoln, the son of Osco W. and Eva L. Dalbey Cook.
Gary is survived by one sister, Mavis Cook; three brothers: John Cook, Jim Cook, and Darwin Cook; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by one brother, Russell Cook.
Gary had worked for Illinois Crop Improvement as a Manager and for Mountjoy Seed Company. He was of the Catholic faith, was a lifelong member of the NRA, and enjoyed gardening and mowing.
Memorials may be made to the National Kidney Foundation (www.kidney.org) or St. Joseph’s Indian School in Chamberlain, South Dakota (www.stjo.org).
Quiram-Peasley Funeral Home of Atlanta is assisting the family with arrangements.
4 Responses
On behalf of everyone at Illinois Crop Improvement our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Gary Cook. I had the pleasure of knowing and working with Gary for 25 years. Both Illinois Crop, and myself, are better for his guidance, hard work and dedication to seed quality and testing.
My Dad, Bill Rice, was a member of the ICIA board for many years. I joined him in the business several years ago. He always thought very highly of Gary. May you receive comfort in knowing how highly Gary was regarded by his peers. May the memory of Gary always bless you and fill you with comfort and happy memories.
I was able to serve on the I.C.I.A. board for over 20 years. As a board member and customer at Bergmann-Taylor I came to know and respect Gary and his work. I trusted him implicitly, without a doubt! I have defended Gary and the lab on more than one occasion. A man of his character will always be missed!
Sincerely,
Gerry Rottmann
My mesage is late but please try to share it with the family.
i was manager of IL Crop from 1978-1996. Gary was a young and very lab employee. it was my pleasure to watch him develop and to name as manager of the ICIA Seed Lab. he always did excellent work and i could rely on his opinions.
i am sorry that he had his health issues in his recent years.
He was a co-worker and friend.
Jim Shearl