Dr. William Alexander Cox

MOUNT HOREB – It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. William Alexander Cox, fondly known as Alex, who was born into eternal life on October 12, 2026.

Born on March 19, 1929, in the serene town of Raton, New Mexico, Alex lived a life full of purpose, dedication, and kindness that touched the hearts of many. Alex was the cherished son of the late William Wilton and Margaret Mckenzie Storrie Cox.

Growing up in Raton, he graduated from Raton High School in 1947 and began his journey in the automobile industry to support his family. Having worked at the local Chevrolet dealership in Raton since he was 12 years old, Alex headed for Flint Michigan and earned a degree from the General Motors Institute of Technology in 1951. His path to manage and ultimately own a General Motors dealership took a significant turn when he proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1953 during the Korean War.

Returning home from the service in late 1953 he sold a car to a young lady named Julia Colleen Messick. In 1954 Colleen and Alex were married. However, inspired by his mother’s two brothers who had become chiropractors years before, his true calling emerged when he changed careers in 1961 and embraced a career in chiropractic. Alex graduated as the valedictorian of his class from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1964.

Dr. Alex's professional journey was marked by dedication and excellence. After a brief tenure of private practice in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, Dr. Alex was invited by the esteemed Dr. Clarence Gonstead to join the Gonstead Clinic of Chiropractic staff in Mount Horeb, Wisconsin. In 1974, Alex and his brother Doug took ownership from Dr. Gonstead of the Clinic, Inc., the Karakahl Inn, Inc., and the Gonstead Seminar, Inc.

During his career at the clinic, Dr. Alex provided exceptional care for his patients. His reputation became legendary throughout the chiropractic profession as he devoted over 55 years to teaching the intricacies of the Gonstead system to the profession he loved and influenced countless doctors and students worldwide. Dr. Alex was an avid Green Bay Packer fan even before he moved to Wisconsin. In 1967 a Packer and future Hall of Famer named Henry Jordan was referred to Dr. Alex. Henry then referred many of his teammates to Dr. Alex and other Packer greats like Bart Starr, Ray Nitschke, Willy Wood, Jerry Kramer, Jim Weatherwax just to name a few, became regular patients. Before the days when pro football teams had team chiropractors, after every Green Bay home game, Dr. Alex and family would leave the game, go to Henry Jordan’s residence in Green Bay, and 20 to 30 players would stop by for post-game refreshments and wait their turn to see Dr. Alex. As a result, Dr. Alex became season ticket holder and dear friends of the Jordan family. When his Sundays were not occupied with going to Green Bay, Dr. Alex loved to take day trips in the car with the family, some local and some two to three hours away. In the summer months, if not going for a car ride, he found great joy, relaxation and self-satisfaction in sitting on his John Deere mower and spending several hours mowing his four-acre lawn to perfection. 

Alex was predeceased by his beloved wife of 42 years, Julia Colleen Cox. He is survived by his son, William John (Patti) Cox, and his daughter, Alexis Ann Cox. His legacy lives on through his grandchildren, Tricia Lynn (Eric) Rector and Jonathan Storrie (Katie) Cox, Lexa Colleen Miller and Cassondra Jordanne Miller, and his great-grandchildren, Justin Wade and Luke William Rector, Cohen Alexander and Collins Mary Cox, Aleigah Ann and Levi Allen Buening. Alex is also survived by his dear brother, Douglas and wife, Sherill, his sister, Margaret Jean Evans, and his close friend and companion for the last 30 years, Carol Miller.

Dr. Alex's life was a testament to the power of kindness, wisdom, and empathy. He had a unique ability to forge genuine friendships, not through words alone but through his unyielding actions. His friends, family, colleagues, and patients trusted him deeply, and his compassionate nature brought laughter and comfort to many.

In his final years, Alex was cared for by the devoted staff at Vita Care and staff from Hospice. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff for their unwavering care and support.

In honor of Alex's memory, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the “Dr. Alex Cox Gonstead Legacy Foundation” which will then present the annual “Dr. Alex Cox Gonstead Legacy Award” (gonsteadseminar.com/legacy-foundation/). This fund is governed by a board of directors to support students and doctors toward education from the Gonstead Seminars, Inc., Doctors of Chiropractic just starting out in practice or if a doctor or student faces some type of personal need in a time of crisis.

A man of deep wisdom and vast compassion, Dr. Alex's legacy will forever remain in the hearts of those he touched. As he rests peacefully, we remember him not only for his professional achievements but for the love and friendship he bestowed upon us all.

A funeral service will be held at MOUNT HOREB EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 315 E. Main St., Mount Horeb, at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 24, 2026. Burial will take place at Mount Horeb Union Cemetery, followed by a luncheon at the church. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON CAMACHO MOUNT HOREB FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 500 N. Eighth St., Mount Horeb, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, October 23, 2026, and also at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Camacho Mount Horeb
Funeral & Cremation Care
500 N. Eighth St.
(608) 437-5077