Donavan D. Cook

Donavan D. Cook, age 91, of Clear Lake, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Sept. 13 at Mercy One Hospital of Mason City.

Donavan has chosen to donate his remains to Mayo Clinic of Rochester, Minn. for future research.  The family will hold a celebration of his life at a later date.

Donavan was born Nov. 16, 1931, the second child to Clarence and Sylvia Oswald Cook of Clear Lake. Upon Sylvia’s passing, Don’s father, Clarence Cook, married Ethel Levisay, of Clear Lake.  Together they raised Don and his older brother, Daryl Cook.  Growing up in Clear Lake, Don played sports, including football and baseball.  He graduated from Clear Lake High School in 1949.  After graduation he joined the US Air Force, stationed at Travis Air Force Base in California.

Don married Dixie L. Taylor of Mason City, in 1952, at Zion Lutheran Church in Clear Lake; and they enjoyed 71 years together.

Don worked at IBM for over 32 years in many locations around the United States, including: Colorado Springs, Colo., Grand Forks and Minot, ND, Sioux Falls, SD and Irving, Texas. He worked at various positions within the company, starting as a typewriter repairman and finishing in IBM large computer systems.

Don enjoyed golf and over the years he was a member at various clubs around the country, including Las Colinas Country Club of Irving.  He achieved four hole-in-ones over his lifetime.  While in Texas, he and Dixie worked at several PGA-sanctioned events, including the Byron Nelson Golf Classic.  

Don is survived by his wife, Dixie; three sons, Danial Cook (Jill) of Eden Prairie, Minn., Dennis Cook (Kris) of Grand Forks, and Dale Cook (Ann) of Centennial, Colo.; as well as seven grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Sylvia Oswald Cook, Clarence and Ethel Cook; his brother, Daryl Cook and a baby sister. 

Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.