Russell L Kook
December 29, 1947 - January 21, 2020
Obituary
MERRIMAC - Russell L. Kook, age 72, of Merrimac, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020, at Agrace HospiceCare. He was born on Dec. 29, 1947, in Memphis, Tenn., the son of Everett and Betty Lou (Vaccaro) Jumper. Russell married LuAnn Beecher on June 15, 1980, in Las Vegas.
Russell was the owner of Caledonia Tree Farm since 1987. He was a president and board member of the Christmas Tree Association of Wisconsin for the last 10 years. Russell played on the Mad Town Flyers softball team for many years, and loved supporting local businesses like Knoches. He enjoyed fishing, cooking, the outdoors, and NASCAR. Russell loved traveling, especially to Daytona Beach, to Canada for fishing and to Jamaica when he was younger. He was a foodie who loved his southern roots, and he never lost his accent.
Russell is survived by his wife, LuAnn; son, Russell (Abbey) Kook; daughter, Karlee Kook; sisters, Cheryl (David) Jumper Jez, Wendy (Mark) Jenkins and Cynthia Kook; brothers, Kenneth Kook, Daryl (Julie) Jumper and Sandy Kook; brothers-in-law, Steve (Vicki) Beecher, Jerry (Linda) Beecher and Calvin (Kathy) Beecher; sisters-in-law, Angela Powers, Penny (Gene) Lamb and Connie (Art) Vyse; mother-in-law, Isabel Beecher; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and father-in-law, Bert Douglas Beecher.
A celebration of Russell’s life will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m., on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2020. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com..
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420
Events
Celebration of Life
Sun Feb 9, 2020 @ 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Photos
No photos of Russell have been shared yet.
Memories
DT
Dustin Timm
Other •
I will never forget you RU! You will be missed everyday by me and the many people who love you. Thank you for the time you spent with me and everything you taught me in my life. LOVE FOREVER - Dustin Timm
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Harlee adkins
Other •
Russell was the closest thing that I had to a grandfather and he was like my dads dad. I’ve known Russell since I was three years old. He helped not only my dad through all the hard times but he gave me hope when I had none left. Working along side him at the farm and the lot was an experience I’ll never forget. But most of all I’ll never forget how much my dad and I loved you and all the encouraging words you spoke. Rest In Peace Russell, go dale go
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Larry Meyers
Other •
RIP Russell.
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Nick Powers
Other •
My Brother, I will miss you always! What a perfect picture! That infectious grin! So many memories of the adventures that we shared together come flooding back! From the unspoiled beaches of South America to the narrow streets of the European cities, we had some Big Fun! Sharing the Beach House in Florida for all those years wasn't too bad either! Wow, we had some great times! That's how I will try and fill the void that your passing has left is thinking of all the Good Times! God Speed Russell!!!
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Cathleen Siersema
Other •
Russell was one of the most generous, hard working, and family oriented people ever. Even though we live way down south and didn't see them often, we were lucky enough to spend a summer in Wisconsin years ago. Staying at their house, riding around the farm and touring Madison is still such a fresh and fond memory even 14 years later. He went out of his way to make sure we enjoyed ourselves, not because we were family, but because that's just his nature. He always had a smile on his face and a kind word. Too many other memories to list come to mind, including some great stories from their childhood by my stepfather Daryl who loved his big brother unconditionally. His entire family looked up to him and his absence will be felt by all. We love and miss you Uncle Russell!!
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Jimi
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Thanks for all the good times! Already missing you.