William C. Cook's Obituary
Deacon William “Bill” C. Cook, age 72, entered into eternal rest on Monday, August 9, 2021 in Muskegon. Bill was born on April 8, 1949 in Muskegon to James and Bernice (Klement) Cook and was a life resident of the area. Bill was a graduate of Muskegon Catholic Central, a Veteran of the U.S. Navy, and worked as a pattern maker for many local companies. Deacon Bill was ordained to the Permanent Diaconate in the Diocese of Grand Rapids on February 11, 2006, and throughout the years served the parishes of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, St. Jean’s Catholic Church and Sacred Heart Catholic Church all in Muskegon, and belonged to the Holy Rosary Council of the Knights of Columbus. Bill took pride and joy in serving our community. Whether it was participating in the all school Catholic Mass, taking communion to people that couldn’t make it to church, volunteering at the Muskegon County Museum, or being involved in a local story telling club, Bill felt called to serve. He also loved the performing arts, and was actively involved in the Muskegon Civic Theatre, both backstage, with set design and on-stage. The love of Bill’s life though was his family, and he’d do anything for his children and grandchildren. On September 13, 1997, he married the former Mary Jane Steigman and she survives him along with daughter, Jill Cohee; step-children, Heidi Steigman and Donald Steigman; grandchildren, Julia, Emily, Lauren, Hunter, Dawson, Terry, Andrew, Allie and Emma; three brothers, Jim (Pat) Cook, Tom (Marsha) Cook, and Dave (Pattie) Cook; and sister, Betty (David) Bickford. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; son, Joel Cook; and sister, Mary Christophersen. MASS of CHRISTIAN BURIAL will be celebrated 10:30 AM Saturday, August 14, 2021 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church (239 W. Clay Ave.) with Bishop David J. Walkowiak presiding. VISITATION will be held from 6-8 PM Friday, August 13, 2021 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. A Vigil Service will be held on Friday evening at 7 PM at the church. Internment will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery at 11 AM on Saturday, August 21, 2021. Memorial Contributions in Deacon Bill’s name may be directed to Feeding America. Share memories with the family online at http://www.sytsemafh.com. Arrangements by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St. Norton Shores, MI 49444 (231) 798-1100.
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