Chester E. Cooke, 72, of Blackhoof Township, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2015, at his residence. Chester was born Jan. 21, 1943, in Duluth to Chester and Pearl (Anderson) Cooke. He grew up in Duluth and graduated from Duluth Central High School in 1961. He also was a 1971 UMD graduate. Chet married Elna May Lindskog Aug. 27, 1966, and they would have celebrated 49 years together.

Chester served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War from 1966-1968. He worked 30 years for the city of Duluth retiring as a dispatcher. Chester also worked as a longshoreman and was a human service technician at Lake Venoah. Chet lived his life for his family. He especially cherished his time spent with his grandchildren and being a grandpa made him proud. Chet loved working on his hobby farm; cutting the grass, cutting wood and working on endless projects on the farm.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Randy Cooke; step-father Richard Musolf; step-sister Betty Musolf; and step-brother Roger Musolf. Chester is survived by his wife, Elna May; son Seth Cooke; daughters Jessica (Corey) Janssen and Erin (Matt Hanson) Cooke; sisters Kathy (William) Henefelt and Julie Cooke; sister-in-law Mary Jo Cooke; step-brother Steve (Linda) Musolf; step-sister Barb Musolf; and grandchildren Kai Lee, Bailey Chet and Ashley Janssen; nieces Niko Williams and Mollie Sebok; and nephew AJ Sebok.

VISITATION: 11 a.m. until the 1 p.m. service Monday, Aug. 17, in Elim Lutheran Church in Blackhoof Township. Military honors will be presented by Nicholson-Sellgren VFW Post 2962 of Carlton. A luncheon and fellowship will follow in the church social hall. You may leave an online condolence, visit the guestbook atwww.nelsonfuneralcare.net.