1922
2012
Born in Burton, NE on Feb. 16, 1922 to Perry and Fern Cook. He passed away peacefully on Nov. 4th. Bill was raised on the farm where he learned the value of hard work and lending a helping hand to other farmers in their time of need. He experienced the devastation of the Great Depression and it stayed with him in many decisions in his life. At the age of 18, he came to California to start his construction career with his uncle. When WW II broke out, Bill was drafted into the U.S. Army and ended up in the 50th Medical Battalion in the 1st Army. He participated in the invasion of Normandy on D-Day, Battle of the Bulge, and the liberation of France. Before departing overseas, he married Myrna Loos and has been married 70 years. After the war, he again settled in Sacramento and pursued his passion of construction. He was a Superintendant of Construction for Erickson Construction Co. for many years and built several area shopping centers, remodeled the Crest Theater and built the Greek Orthodox Church on Alhambra Blvd. He was extremely proud to be the builder of the dome shaped Bethel Temple Church on Howe Ave. In 1966 he became a partner in construction and development with Marvin 'Buz' Oates and they had many years of success building warehouses, medical buildings and roller skating rinks. They also purchased and remodeled the Elks Temple in downtown Sacramento. Bill was proud of his service to his country in WW II and his construction career. He was the only son with sisters, Beatrice Lewis, Rosalie Hartman and Caroline Hoskins. He is survived by his wife, Myrna; sons, Jerry (Carmen), Gene (Mary), and Ron (Gail). He also has several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A viewing will be held at Nicoletti, Culjis & Herberger Funeral Home, 5401 Folsom Blvd. on Monday, Nov. 12th from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. Private family services will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Red Cross or the Dream Center, 1516 C St, Sacramento, CA 95814
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6 Entries
October 9, 2013
Bill was a good guy, never putting on airs about wealth or privelege. He and I built a lot a parts of Skate World during the summer shutdowns, and he always had fun doing the work himself. Condolences to Myrna and the family.
Dave Brown.
November 13, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time of your loss.
The Campbell Family - Jim, Gwyn and Darren
November 11, 2012
Pleas accept our condolences. We will keep all of you in our heartfelt prayers. Cherish his memories and always keep them close to your hearts. PS.55:22
November 10, 2012
Esther Lebeck-Loveridge
I was saddened to learn of the death of Bill Cook. My memories of his family go back to my earliest years, and I am told that Myrna used to babysit me when she worked for my parents - probably had my bassinet in a file drawer! I am so glad that I got my dad's movies of the construction of Bethel Temple on Howe Avenue transferred to DVD so I could send one to Bill. Those were the days, for sure. Our love and condolences to his entire family.
November 8, 2012
Donnie Norlen
First our condolences to the Cook family - My family first met Bill in 1977/78 as we began to manage one of his skating rinks in the Portland Oregon area (Gresham). My dad Don Norlen managed the Kelso rink for a few years and my mom Betty and myself managed the Gresham location for 27 years. So many fond memories of Bill and Myrna - I learn so much from him when he would come to visit the rinks. He was a great man to work for and we appreciated how he and Myrna always made us feel like we were part of their "family". He will always have a place in our hearts.... always. Thank you Bill
Love, Betty - Donnie and Cindy Norlen
November 7, 2012
Gretchen Cook-Ballard
I love you Grump-pa.
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Funeral services provided by:
Nicoletti, Culjis & Herberger Funeral Home5401 Folsom Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95819
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