Marian E. Cook

Marian E. Cook, 96, of Oakfield, died Monday, January 23, 2017 at Hope Health and Rehab Center in Lomira. She was born October 10, 1920 in Oakfield, the daughter of Perley and Henrietta Beeble Burleton. She graduated from Oakfield High School in 1938 and Dodge County Normal School in 1940. On April 11, 1942 she married Lester “L.V.” Cook in Oakfield. Marian graduated from Wisconsin State University, Oshkosh in 1961 with a Bachelors in Education. She taught school in Fond du Lac County rural schools from 1940 – 1960, then in the Oakfield School District until her retirement in 1987. She was a member of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Oakfield until it closed in 1996 and then a member of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Waupun. She was a lector in both churches and also a member of the Vestry in both. Marian was a charter member and 1st President of Oakfield VFW Post 8092 Auxiliary where she had served as President, Secretary, and Treasurer many times. Marian served the Oakfield community in many ways, Treasurer of Oakfield PTA 1971-1975, Chair of St. Jude’s Bik-a-thon 1982 – 1985, chaperon with her husband for the Oakfield High School Band trip to the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, TX in 1969 and treasurer of the Music Parents. She served as chair of the Bi – Centennial Year in Oakfield in 1976 and was a member of the sesquicentennial committee in 1992. At one time she served as President of Fond du Lac County Teachers Association, and as President of the Oakfield Education Association. She was a member of the Board of Trustees and served as Vice President of the Mid-Wisconsin Federated Library Board. Marian was a member of the Fond du Lac County Retired Educators and has served as Vice President. She was the Secretary and Treasurer for Fond du Lac County Horse Project for many years and was a leader in the Busy Oaks 4-H Club. Marian is also a life time member of The Friends of Horicon Marsh and did much volunteer work and the World War II Memorial Association in Washington, DC.



Throughout the years she has earned various awards, in 1974 she was named Outstanding Elementary Teacher of America by her Principal, Milton T. Hurlbert, in 1992-1993 she was named to Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers by a former student in her 5th grade class, she received a Meritorious Service Award from 4-H in 1995 and was named one of Fond du Lac County’s Outstanding Senior Citizens in 1998. Since retirement she has served as speech coach for many students in the area. She also served as a judge for forensics and 4-H contests. Marian spent her entire life in Oakfield and she and her husband, L.V. did a lot of traveling before his death in 1993.



She is survived by two daughters, Cheryl (Larry) Langkau and Lori (Dan) Conroy, both of Oakfield; daughter-in-law, Judy (Sal Okon) Cook of Brownsville; son-in-law, Terry Riechers of Sun Prairie; ten grandchildren, Chris (Mary Beth) Cook, Valerie (Pat) Hilbert, Shelley (Duane) Eilbes, Robbie Garcia, Lawrence "Jeff" Langkau, Mike Garcia, Lincoln Cook, Nicole (Tom) Toay, Jessica (Herk Brandt) Henke, and Vickie (Jacob) Demoske; 14 great grandchildren; 7 great great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Lester; daughter, Sandra Riechers; son, Lester “Bud” Cook; twin brother, Merlin Burleton; three brothers, Oliver, George, and Dale Burleton; two sisters, Helen Gainacopulos and Velma Michels.



The visitation will be held from 3:30 – 7:30 PM on Thursday, January 26, 2017 at Uecker-Witt Funeral Home and again on Friday at church from 10:00 – 11:00 AM. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, January 27, 2017 at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Waupun. Burial will follow in Avoca Cemetery.



In lieu of flowers memorials in Marian’s name are appreciated to Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Fond du Lac County Retired Educators Association, or Friends of Horicon Marsh.



The family extends a special thank you to the staff of Hope Health and Rehab Center in Lomira and Agnesian Hospice for the care and compassion given to Marian.