Melbourne "Sam" Finley Cook, age 94, died Wednesday April 1, 2009 at HospiceCare Inc. in Fitchburg. He was born on June 4, 1914 in the Township of Bloom, Richland County, the son of the late Charles and Erma (Sharpe) Cook. Sam grew up on the family farm near Bloom City, Richland County and attended Cook Grade School, and West Lima High School, graduating in 1932. He later attended Teacher Training School in Richland Center. Sam was united in marriage to Merna Burt on July 3, 1936, in Rockford, IL. In 1942 Sam left farming to begin an apprenticeship in cheese making and pursued his career of making cheese. In 1944 he purchased the Irish Valley Cheese factory near Plain and continued in the cheese business for 50 years. He and Merna moved to Witwen in 1976 and Sam later retired in 1988.
Sam's sense of humor brought many moments of laughter to all that knew him. He enjoyed local and family history, loved to read and do the daily crossword puzzle. He was a member of Southwest Cheese Makers Association, Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association and St. John's Lutheran Church, Leland.

He is survived by: His beloved wife of almost 73 years, Merna ,
four children: C. Monte (Patty) of North Freedom,
Roberta Becker of Prairie du Sac,
Bonnie (Charles) Buell, of Middleton,
Sidney (Lisa) of Prairie du Sac,
Twelve grandchildren
numerous great grandchildren
special friends Kate Short and Mark Natzke and family, and Pam, Janet and Eddie Smith. He is also survived by other relatives and many friends.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by two sisters, Elizabeth Platteter and Roberta Rand.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, April 6, 2009 at St. John's Lutheran Church, Leland, with Pastor Peter Heide officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call on Sunday, April 5, 2009, from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the HOOVERSON FUNERAL HOME, Sauk City,WI.