Obituary for Garland "LaVere" Cook

LaVere Cook passed away peacefully on September 4, 2026 at his home in Earlham, Iowa. He was 85 years old.

LaVere was born in Osceola, Iowa on December 14, 1940 to Garland and Louise (Ramsey) Cook.

On September 6, 1959, LaVere married the love of his life, Janice Thompson at the United Methodist Church in Dexter, Iowa. They welcomed four children; Patrick LaVere (1960), Shellie Ann (1961), Kellie Lynne (1964) and Amanda Francine (1971).

They began their life in Dexter, Iowa where LaVere drove a truck for Janice’s father. Within a year LaVere moved his small family, which included Patrick, to farm with his father just west of Pitzer, Iowa, where Shellie, Kellie and Amanda completed the family.

In 1976 LaVere and Janice bought their first farm, west of Winterset, where his passion for farming never wavered. It was all he ever wanted to do. In 1987 LaVere started farming for Helene Alexander, which was approximately two miles west of their farm and continued to farm Helene’s place, along with his until 2002. This is when Helene, a woman he greatly admired and that adored him, passed away. In 2002 LaVere and Janice purchased the Alexander farm, which they had already been farming for over 15 years. It may not have been the best time to invest in a second farm, but Helene passed away with LaVere’s promise that he would buy the farm.

Over the years, LaVere raised pigs, sheep, cows and even two baby deer… IN THE HOUSE! This was confusing to the kids as they were not allowed to raise pets inside.

LaVere had a brilliant mind. If he could imagine it, and draft it on paper, he could build it! Whether it was made from metal, tin, steel or wood, he could make it. It didn’t matter if it ran on electricity or with hydraulics, he could make it. LaVere could run a welder like any professional welder; he could recreate parts on his metal lathe. When it came to tiling throughout his two farms he could do the job just as good as any mole or groundhog. When it came to terracing the two farms, LaVere would build the terraces to prevent soil erosion. His main focus was ALWAYS on the farms.

LaVere did have a few hobbies along the way. For several years there was the 2-seater Cessna 140. LaVere’s kids loved to fly with him. But with only two seats, and everyone wanting a turn, LaVere spent a lot of time taking off and landing on his air strip between the cornfield and the soybeans.

Another hobby LaVere and Janice enjoyed was taking mini motorcycle trips. Of course they built their own mini pop up camper that they pulled behind the motorcycle. No one knew for sure how many trips they made to Sturgis but their first trip was on a 350 Honda that vibrated the bajeebies out of Janice. LaVere’s idea of a quick fix was to wrap the back foot pedals and the seat with a thick piece of sheep wool for her.

Then there was the train collection. LaVere started with a 4x8 foot sheet of plywood that didn’t take up the whole living room, but a good sized section of it. There was lots of track with hills and curves and a train with many cars. Janice endured it for a few years then one day took it upon herself to dismantle the train village while LaVere was working outside. No one could recall how he felt about his masterpiece disappearing.

LaVere was an honorable man, if he said he would do something, he did it. LaVere would often fight for the underdogs when others turned their back. He also taught his kids that no one was better than anyone else. He expected his kids to be honest, work hard and don’t spend more than what you make.

LaVere was preceded in death by his parents, Garland and Louise, in-laws Leon and Orpha Thompson, brother, LaVerne and sister Linda Schmidt, grandson Joshua Cook and great granddaughter Audrey Nuzum.

LaVere is survived by his wife, Janice, son, Patrick (RayeDeLynne) Cook of Winterset, daughters, Shellie Cook Petek of Winterset, Kellie (Charlie) Oberhaus of Alexis IL and Amanda Cook of Winterset, grandchildren, Greg (Stacy) Cook, Tiffanie (Brian) Wetzel, Trenton Nuzum, Clenton Nuzum, Benjamin Nuzum, Sarah Ball, Cheryl Oberhaus, David Oberhaus, Lacey (Joshua) Heinz, Daphne (Josh) Strief, Josephine Baumgartner, great grandchildren, Emma, Sydney Greyson, Abigail (Brett), Vivian, Maxwell, Lucy, Libby, Claire, Jill, Jared, Jesse, Skyler, Gavin, Lucus, Natalie, Michael, Charles, Daniel, Garrett, Asher, Elliott, Henry, Josiah, Delilah, Athena, great great grandchildren, Estella and Hudson…

All because two people fell in love.

A Celebration of Life with family and friends will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, September 10, 2026 at the Jackson Bldg., 1146 W. Summit Street, Winterset, Iowa on the Madison County Fairgrounds. A meal will be served.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude, Hospice or the charity of your choice in LaVere’s name.