Jack Ronald Cook

Jack Ronald Cook, 94, of Robinson, IL, died peacefully in his home on August 21, 2026.

He was born on August 14, 1932, in Aurora, IL, the son of Erwin Cook and Loraine (Jensen) Cook. Jack grew up in Aurora and graduated from East High School before being drafted into the United States Army, where he proudly served his country during the Korean War.

When he returned home, Jack became a journeyman electrician, a trade that suited a man who knew how things worked and was never afraid to take something apart and put it back together again. That ability eventually led him into business for himself. Alongside his wife, Kristin, he owned and operated Colonial Appliance in northern Illinois for nearly four decades.

Jack and Kristin were married on October 21, 1955, and built 68 years of life together before her death on June 11, 2024. They were partners not only in business but also in a lifetime of experiences. They traveled to Europe more than 30 times, exploring its cities, cultures, history, and antique shops along the way. Traveling and antiquing became something they could enjoy together, and over the years they saw a remarkable amount of the world side by side.

After retiring, Jack and Kristin spent six years in Florida before moving to Robinson in 2000. Wherever he lived, Jack enjoyed having something to work on. At home, that often meant his yard. His real passion, though, was classic cars. He knew cars inside and out, restored several over the years, and could talk about them with the kind of knowledge that came from a lifetime of paying attention to what was under the hood.

Jack was a member of Pearl Chapel Church, and his faith remained an important part of his life. He lived a long life filled with work he knew well, places worth seeing, cars worth restoring, and, most importantly, the family with whom he shared it all.

He is survived by his son & daughter-in-law, Scott & Starla Cook; by his daughters & daughter-in-law, Candace Cook and Holly & Ann Cook-Graver; by his grandchildren, Ashley Cook and Mitch Cook-Graver; by his great-grandchildren, Matthew and Sydney Patenaude; as well as his golden retriever, Sunny. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Erwin & Loraine (Jensen) Cook, and by his wife, Kristin Cook.

It was Jack's wish to be cremated, and his remains will be privately buried at the Pearl Chapel Cemetery. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson is in charge of these arrangements.