Michael J. Cookman

Michael James Cookman, 77, died Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024, at Oakwood Care Center, Clear Lake.

A Celebration of Life was held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, Jan. 29, at Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, with Mark Doebel officiating.  Inurnment was in Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City.

Visitation was held from 3-6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 28, at Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel.

Michael was born on Nov. 20, 1946, in Mason City,bto James and Lorraine (Gribben) Cookman. Michael graduated from Clear Lake High School in the class of 1964. After graduation he began working at  Lehigh Cement in Mason City.

  Mike was united in marriage to Helen Brayton on Aug. 28, 1967; to this union two children were born.  Later Mike and Helen divorced. Mike graduated from the Des Moines Police Academy in 1973. He went on to be a dedicated Clear Lake police officer for 33 years until his retirement in 2006. In his time in the police force he worked security for The Surf Ballroom and was an instructor for 30 years in the Iowa Firearms and the Conceal and Carry Programs. 

One of his passions was working with firearms ranging from building them, shooting at the gun range, going to gun shows and helping with the local gun shops.  He was a member at the River City Gun Club. Mike also spent his time fishing in Prairie du Chien, Wis. and gopher hunting in South Dakota. 

Mike had a big heart for those around him and was always there to help out his family and friends. He loved watching the Green Bay Packers! 

Mike is survived by his children, Todd (Michaela) Cookman, of Clear Lake, and Tonya (Roger) Cummings, of Austin, Minn.; grandchildren, Colton Cookman, Tanner Cookman, Tristan Cookman, all of Clear Lake, and, Kyla (Luke Reed) Cummings, Blake (Kailee Aldrich) Cummings, and Lee Cummings, of Austin; sister, Linda Kirkey, of Farmington, Minn.; niece and nephews, Jim Kirkey, Mary Kirkey-Olson, and Zach Lincoln; great niece and nephew, Leif Olson and Annika Olson.

Those preceding him in death are his parents, James and Lorraine Cookman; brother, Patrick Cookman; and brother-in-law, Tom Kirkey.

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