Dennis “Jake” Jensen Cook

Dennis “Jake” Jensen Cook Dec. 25, 1939  - Aug. 15, 2015

Dennis “Jake” Jensen Cook was born in Billings, on Dec. 25, 1939, to the late Joseph Johnson Cook and late Cleo Christine Jensen. He died on Aug. 15, 2015. His wife and children peacefully surrounded him.[caption id="attachment_10205" align="alignright" width="225"] Dennis “Jake” Jensen Cook[/caption]Dennis was raised in Cowley. He eventually moved to Lovell and worked for the highway department and later owned a gas station. He moved to Laramie in 1972 where he began working at the Port of Entry and then the Wyoming State Highway Patrol, where he served for 22 years. Upon retiring from the Patrol, he met and married his sweetheart Helen Meisner on June 3, 1989.Dennis and Helen continued their journey in Greeley, Colo., where he went to work as a safety supervisor for Yellow Freight, later transferring to Raytown, Mo., where he resided for the last 15 years.Dennis was larger than life and meaner than a snake. His sense of humor was appreciated and his temper feared. His smile could light up a room and his scowl could clear it. He was a fierce protector with a huge heart.His family was his greatest love and he often had a hard time expressing it. But he had a way of making each member of his very large family feel special by showing up for every momentous occasion, always sending his personalized birthday cards, making time for thoughtful conversations, and he was always ready with a great, big bear hug. He cherished making memories and sharing stories with his loved ones. He recently declared that his grandchildren were his reason for living. He made great efforts in his last years to strengthen his relationships with his children and grandchildren, and they will love him eternally for it.Dennis was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He spent countless hours working on family history, which he loved. He was an avid Star Trek fan, and enjoyed the excitement of assisting stranded travelers in a snowstorm, collecting clocks and the company of his cats Felix and Socks.He had style, always wearing a cool hat and suspenders. He could wow his grandkids by removing teeth from his mouth, shaking candy from their heads and talking gibberish. His legacy will live on through stories, traditions, sharing words of wisdom, making new memories and knowing that he will be reunited with his family one day.Dennis was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Cleo; his stepfather Clinton Beddes and three great-grandchildren Brenna, Peter and Theo. He is survived by his eternal companion, Helen; his children Elaine (Wayne), Michelle (Tim), Cyndi (Gene), Kelly (Bobby), Brad (Chanon), Kim (Andrew), Mike, Cheryl and two step-sons Dave (Marie) and Jason (Tracy); his brothers Richard (Rosie), Bruce (Loretta) and Lynn (Debbie); sister Pam (Ralph); 36 grandchildren and 92 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and lifelong friends.Funeral services for Dennis Jensen Cook will be held in Cowley on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2015, at 10 a.m. at the LDS Church with a viewing at 9 a.m. Final interment will immediately follow at the Cowley Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are by Haskell Funeral Home.