Charles Monte Cook

Charles Monte Cook, age 89, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his rural North Freedom home surrounded by his family on Friday, May 22. 2026. He was born in the Richland Center Hospital on November 6, 1936 to Melbourne “Sam” F. Cook and Merna S. (Burt) Cook. Most of his growing up years were in the home that was part of the Irish Valley Cheese Factory, rural Plain, that his parents established, beginning in 1944.

He graduated from Prairie du Sac High School in 1955. As a junior in high school in 1954, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve/National Guard. During the Berlin Crisis, his unit was deployed on active duty to Fort Lewis, Washington for ten months as part of Company A, 2nd Battle Group 128th Infantry, 32nd Infantry Division (Red Arrow). He was honorably discharged as Sgt E5 Infantry in September 1962.

Shortly after his discharge he met his future wife, Patricia “Patty” Stanclift, while roller skating at Scotch Pine Roller Rink in Lake Delton. They were united in marriage on September 25, 1965 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Baraboo. For a short time they resided in Baraboo where he was employed by Kinnamon’s Saw and Mower. They then moved to Richland Center where Monte was employed by (Clarson) Gold Bond Ice Cream for one year. He then chose to rejoin his dad, and later brother Sid, in the family cheesemaking business, Irish Valley Cheese Factory.

In August 1986, upon the closure of the cheese factory, Monte made the decision to farm north of Denzer, milking his beloved Jersey cows. In October 1998, he started Cook’s Countryside Trucking LLC (CCT) with the help of his family and three employees. The business grew as time passed, helping farmers recycle manure, returning the nutrients to the soil they farmed. The business, methods of application, equipment they used and areas served evolved over time ~ true organic nutrient recyclers. Monte enjoyed this, making new friends and clients all over the state and beyond, especially working with his sons.

Monte often said he had a great childhood growing up. He loved the outdoors, enjoying nature, deer hunting, playing cards, drives in the country and helping set up for the big jobs and being part of the work crew seven days a week. He enjoyed daily crossword puzzles with Jodi and Dana, morel mushroom hunting and making homemade ice cream. In his retirement days he loved going to breakfast (his favorite meal) and “everyday” to be with friends and friendly waitresses. He also loved to read and ride his horses, having had a horse since age twelve. The family enjoyed weekend rides and trips to the Black Hills and Badlands in South Dakota.

Monte was a lifetime member of the VFW, American Legion and St. John Lutheran Church, Leland. He was privileged to go on the Badger Honor Flight in September of 2016 with his son Dana, before many of his health issues began.

Monte is survived by his wife, Patty, his children Brent (Sandy) Cook and Brent’s children Courtney Camacho, Cody (Laci) and Cord Cook and their families, Ashley Lipinski and Tatum Bonham and their families, and Sandy’s children Toni, Kelli, Emili and Tyler and their families; Dana Cook and his daughters Taylor (Alyssa) Kearns, Morgan Cook (Tyler Theel) and their daughter Allison and soon-to-be born son, and Veronica; Jodi Cook; and Sarah Cook (Troy Schultz) and their daughters Charlee and Jenna. He was also survived by his siblings Roberta “Bobbi” Becker, Bonnie (Chuck) Buell and Sid (Lisa) Cook and their families.

Preceding him in death were his parents, nephew Benjamin Becker and great-granddaughter Sophie Lee Askey.

Monte’s family would like to thank and express sincerest appreciation to his family and friends for their visits, thoughts and prayers. A special thank you to Tracy Fluette, Gary and Billie Emerli, Jim Meyer, Terry Turnquist, Gary Kowalke and other breakfast buddies and wonderful servers who endured and enjoyed his quick wit and smart remarks. Additionally, a special thank you to Dr. Thomas Varley, Dr. Kevin Vogt, Dr. Nathan Grunewald, Dr. Theodore Parins and Sauk Prairie Healthcare for their care, Dr. Ryan Mattison at UW Health and Agrace Hospice staff for helping him remain comfortable at home.

A funeral service for Monte will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 27 at St. John Lutheran Church Leland, E7519 County Road C, North Freedom. Military Honors will be accorded by the Lachmund Cramer VFW 7694. A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. the day of the service. A visitation will also be held the evening before from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Hooverson Funeral Home, 251 Water Street, Sauk City, WI. Consider memorials to St. John Lutheran Church Leland or a charity of your choice in his memory.

Online condolences may be made at hooversonfuneralhomes.com.