Carl George Cook's Obituary
“Together Again”
On January 6, 2024, Carl George Cook, 87, passed on from this life to be reunited with his love of 60 years, Krescentia Brigitta Stemmer. Carl met Gitta on Easter Saturday 1956, at a Gasthaus in Biburg, Germany, while serving with the 11th ABN Division. They were later married on November 30, 1957, in Munich, Germany. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls Temple in July of 1972. The love Carl had for Gitta continued even after her death. He still found ways to show her his love while still here on this earth. His heart yearned to be with Gitta again. He continued to live his life in remembrance of her. Carl and Gitta are at last “Together Again.” Oh, how that awaited moment must have been.
Carl was born March 15, 1936, to Marvin Clyde Cook and Goldia Myrtle Payton, in Greeley, CO. Carl did not spend much of his life in Colorado. As he grew up, he worked on several cattle ranches. Here is where his love for the outdoors and animals came from. This newfound interest assisted him with his hobbies. He had a passion for training his Weimaraner, German Short-Hair, and Munster Lander dogs to hunt and retrieve ducks. He found joy in hunting, fishing, and camping. He shared these skills with his family and friends, especially knowing how to spot various wildlife. Carl was loved by many, kind to all, made lasting memories with all those he encountered, demonstrated humility, gave freely, and loved unconditionally no matter their circumstances. Carl was a well-respected man. Despite his little education, he excelled in many areas. Some of those included his Military Service and several Military Honors. Carl went into the service, January 31st, 1955. Shortly after enlisting in the Army, Carl went to jump school where he jumped out of many planes, earning his Medal, Master Parachutist. He served with the 11th, 82nd, and 503rd Airborne Units. While with the 503rd Airborne, he was with the 55th Infantry Platoon, “Davey Crocket.” He was an expert in Marksmanship. He served in Vietnam from 1969 to 1971. He served his country with honor and poise. He received many honors, medals, and awards.
After Carl’s 20 years of Military Service, Carl and Gitta settled in the small town of Pierce, Idaho. While here, Carl worked for Potlatch Corporation in the Lumber Mill and later in the Powerhouse for a total of 24 years. After he retired, he spent time with his love Gitta and the outdoors.
As Carl began to age, Carl and Gitta settled in Utah to live with their daughter. Here Carl found new ways to still enjoy the outdoors, by spending several summers working Port Security for the cruise lines that would dock in Skagway, Alaska. He would always say " It's not work when you enjoy your job!” At home you could find him spending time at the Bird Refuge, drinking his Maverik diet soda, or on the patio, thinking, contemplating, watching, and listening to the nature around him.
Carl enjoyed giving his time to spend with his grandchildren teaching them important life lessons and skills, like cutting wood the correct length for the wood stove, stacking a cord of wood correctly in the back of the pickup truck, learning the skills of hunting and fishing, backing up a car and changing a tire, to name a few. His love and knowledge will live on in each of their lives forever.
When time allowed, Carl spent time with the next generation that soon followed. He would teach his great grandchildren life lessons as well. He truly loved watching his great grandchildren grow up, reach important childhood milestones, graduate from school, and onto college. No matter what, Carl was their biggest supporter. Not many great grandchildren are lucky to have their great grandparents in their lives.
Carl was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served in many callings throughout his lifetime. Has a deep and powerful testimony, which he shared often with those he met. He supported missionary work. He had a deep love and respect for Family History Work and Temple Work. He enjoyed his weekly Temple trips with his daughter. Serving in the Lord’s house together was one of their greatest treasures.
Carl is survived by his three children, Theo (Christa) Brenner, Brigitte White, and Marvin (Elaine) Cook. He was blessed with eight grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren, who he loved dearly.
Carl will be greatly missed by all those individuals he deeply touched. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, January 13, 2024, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 12th ward chapel, located at 4524 South 2525 West, Roy, Utah.
A viewing for family and friends will be held prior to funeral services from 9:00am-10:45am. Interment will be at the Roy City Cemetery.
For those that cannot attend in person a link is below to watch the live stream. Link to join Webinar https://zoom.us/j/931267056678
The family wishes to thank Family Physician, Dr. Mikio Obayashi, Cardiology Specialist, Michelle Madsen, NP, and Amy from Ability Home Health for the wonderful care of our loved one. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.premierfuneral.com
What’s your fondest memory of Carl?
What’s a lesson you learned from Carl?
Share a story where Carl's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Carl you’ll never forget.
How did Carl make you smile?