Darrell Walter Cook

Cook, Darrell Walter MADISON-Darrell Walter Cook, age 86, of Madison, passed away from Alzheimers on Thursday, June 2, 2011, at HospiceCare. He was born on Nov. 9, 1924, in Orion, WI., the son of Thomas and Mattie (Winser) Cook. Darrell grew up in Muscoda, WI. and was the youngest of six children. He was the only child in his family to graduate from high school. He married Arlene Elizabeth Cook (nee Parkinson) on Aug. 31, 1943. Darrell and Arlene owned and operated several local restaurants. Their restaurants were known for home cooking, most notably Browns Restaurant and Catering, which they co-owned with Orv and Barb Erickson. Patrons would follow Darrell and Arlene, no matter the location for another taste of those buttermilk pancakes, hot beef sandwiches, and the best hamburger deluxe ever created. Darrell was a veteran of World War II, an avid golfer, a mighty Packer backer, and an avid Badgers fan. He was most of all a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Darrell is survived by his daughters, Darlene A. Cook (Anthony G. Hendricks) and Janet (Ken) Wheaton; granddaughter, Jennifer (Dave) Boyer; grandsons, Andrew (Alexandra) Noel and David Noel; great-grandchildren, Dylan and Parker Boyer, and Anna and Wilder Noel; and many relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Arlene on Nov. 22, 1991; his parents; three brothers; and two sisters. As per Darrells request, he will be cremated and buried next to his loving wife, Arlene, in St. Marys Cemetery in Richland Center. A Celebration of Darrells life will be held for family and friends at THE HILTON GARDEN INN, 1801 Deming Way, Middleton, WI., from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 11, 2011. Memorials may be made to Alzheimers Association or HospiceCare Inc. A special thank you to Gail, Cecelia, Lindsay, and all the caregivers who helped dad through the maze of his disease with a caring hand and open heart; Oak Park Place, Stoughton Hospital (for their care and compassion), Hospice ( for making dads life more comfortable), and to all those who came to spend time with him (especially his dear friend, Barbara Erickson). A heartfelt thanks to all those who kept in touch with Darrell and his family. ....and what is to cease breathing, but to free the breath from its restless tides, that it may rise and expand and seek God unencumbered.... Memorials: Memorials may be made to Alzheimers Association or HospiceCare Inc. Service: A Celebration of Darrells life will be held for family and friends at THE HILTON GARDEN INN, 1801 Deming Way, Middleton, WI., from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 11, 2011.