Donald Paul "Don" Cook

     Donald Paul "Don" Cook, age 86, of Elsie, MI, passed away Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his family.
     Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes Elsie, MI, at 1:00 P.M. on Sunday, February 9, 2025. Burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery, Elsie, MI. Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2025, from 4-8 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes Elsie, and on Sunday, from 12:00 P.M. until the time of the service at the funeral home.
     Don was born in Williamston, Michigan on February 19, 1938, the son of Lewis and Nettie (French) Cook. He graduated from Elsie High School with the class of 1957. Don married Janet Sue Conklin on October 3, 1959, at the Elsie United Methodist Church and they were blessed with 65 years of marriage.
     Don started his career at MMPA and went on to purchase what became "Cook's Soft Water". Don and Janet operated the business for more than 20 years. Upon retirement, he worked multiple odd jobs including: plumbing, hauling milk and selling used cars. He also invested in many local businesses within Elsie. Don volunteered with the village of Elsie fire, council, and ambulance. Don and Janet enjoyed 36 winters in Bradenton, Florida where they made many lifelong friendships. He enjoyed the hobby of farming; gardening and his family looked forward to his homegrown sweet corn each summer. His favorite past time was the hours spent on the golf course. He was proud of the multiple holes in one, as recent as three years ago. Most of all, Don loved spending time with his family and attending his grandchildren's sporting events. The last few years, his interest had shifted to spending time with the family's most recent addition, his great-grandson, Griffin. Don proudly served his country in the United States Army.
     He is survived by his wife Janet Cook of Elsie, MI; daughters: Susan and Daniel Bukovcik of Ovid, MI; and Karen and Richard Stutzman Jr., of Elsie, MI; his grandchildren: Gavin (Lauren) Bukovcik, Victoria (Connor Lloyd) Stutzman, and Ethan Stutzman, and great-grandson, Griffin Bukovcik. He is also survived by his sister Janet and Marvin Stine of St. Johns, MI and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Walter Allen Cook and sister Delilah Wilson.
     Memorials may be made to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie, Michigan.