Larry Thomas Cook, a beloved father, papa, brother, and friend, passed away on October 31, 2024, at the age of 77. After a courageous battle with cancer, he went home to be with the Lord.
Born on May 31, 1947, in Faribault, Minnesota, to LeRoy and Anna Mae Cook, Larry was the second of five children. The family moved to Rochester, Minnesota, when he was two years old, where he resided for most of his life. He also spent 20 years in Minneapolis.
Larry graduated from John Marshall High School in 1965. He was married to Debra Appleby for many years, and together they had a daughter, Jennifer. Though they later divorced, they remained friends and shared a bond until the end. Larry is survived by his daughter, Jennifer (Paul Tisdell), and his cherished grandson, Gavin Cook.
A dedicated tile setter, Larry was a proud member of the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers union for 50 years, retiring in 2006. He enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, such as watching NASCAR, dining with friends at Grandma’s Kitchen, and indulging in old westerns. He was also an avid motorcycle enthusiast, riding his Harley until a 2021 accident led to the amputation of his leg. Despite this adversity, Larry maintained a positive outlook and a hopeful spirit.
His greatest joy was spending time with his family. He was a kind and generous soul, always willing to lend a helping hand. Larry was particularly known for his thoughtful card-giving, each one carefully selected and filled with love.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, LeRoy and Anna Mae Cook; his brother, Richard Cook; his son, Derrick Cook; and his beloved dog, Chance. He is survived by his sisters, Cathy (Randy) Bornhorst, Susan (Zack) Galvin, and Jodi Bosben (Joel Price); as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
A proud member of AA for 16 years, Larry’s strength and resilience were an inspiration to many. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, November 9th, at Rochester Cremation Services, 1605 Civic Center Drive NW, Rochester, MN. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, followed by a service at 11:00 AM. A reception will follow, and interment will take place at Oakwood Cemetery.
May Larry rest in peace and ride strong. Love you Pal
He fought the good fight……. He finished the race….…. He kept the faith……..(2 Timothy 4:7.). Rest in Peace…….. my condolences Nancy Eubank…….
..Larry, always loved your positiveness, even through the adjustments in life that you had to live through.
I felt honored to have been your friend .
RIP……Keep positive in your new journey.
God Bless
Larry, one of those few friends in life’s journey that stands alone as one of the best friends you’ll remember, work mate, and fellow tradesman, for 30 + yrs, and travel companion to hockey tournaments, and known Larry and His kindness and compassion towards others was Larry, my friend, Larman my you be free ride again Buddy