Gerald James Cook, age 79, of Elgin, IL, passed away on November 16, 2023. He was born August 24, 1944 in Pearsall, TX to his loving parents, Willie and Vivian (née Kinchlow) Cook.

Gerald and his wife, Sandra, met in Sheboygan, WI, and were married for 51 years. He worked in Prefinished Metals as a steel fabricator for 25 years before retiring.

Gerald was hardworking and a very caring person. He had very strong family values, and taught his children the importance of being upstanding citizens. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, camping, and going on family outings.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Tom, Marvin, and David; and sister, Billie Jean. He is survived by his wife, Sandra Cook; children, Jerry James (Jennifer) Cook and Casandra Cook; brother, Ishmel (Alicia) Cook; grandchildren, Camryn Rea Cook and Jackson Gerald Cook; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be 1:00pm until funeral service at 4:00pm, Saturday, November 25, 2023 at Symonds-Madison Funeral Home, 305 Park Street, Elgin, IL 60120. Michael Murschel will be officiating.

To access the funeral service remotely, loved ones are encouraged to log on via Zoom (Meeting ID: 883 3715 9767, Password: 660088).

Interment with military honors will take place at 1:00pm, Monday, November 27, 2023 at Rock Island National Cemetery, Rock Island, IL 61299 (gather at the parking lot of the Rock Island Arsenal Visitor Control Center 20 minutes prior, to line up for procession into the cemetery).

Final arrangements entrusted to Symonds-Madison Funeral Home. For more information, call 847-741-1128.