Wednesday, December 28, 2022
Ira J. Cook
Ira J. Cook
Batavia
Ira J. Cook, 87, formerly of Fairfield and Batavia, died at 7:35 p.m. December 23, 2022 at Vista Woods Care Center in Ottumwa.
He was born June 4, 1935 in Davis County to Ira L. and Lillie Johnson Cook. He married Myrna Louise Dille November 23, 1961.
Growing up near Libertyville, he and his family moved north of Batavia in 1947 where he farmed and lived until 2012. Ira served two years in the U.S. Army and four years in the Army Reserves. He was a farmer all of his life and had worked for Dexter Manufacturing for forty-two years. Ira was a talented welder, providing custom work for others throughout his retirement.
Surviving are his wife, Myrna; a daughter, Lori (Steve) Byers of Ottumwa; a son, Leslie A. (Laura Warren) Cook of Batavia; three grandchildren, Lindsay Cook of Carlisle, Heather Duncan and Tiffany Byers, both of Louisville, KY; ten great-grandchildren; a great-great-granddaughter; a brother, George (Linda) Cook of Agency, and a sister, Joan Dicks of Mt. Pleasant; along with many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Ellsworth Cook; and two sisters, Betty Schrock and Carol Howell.
Private graveside services and burial will be held in Shaul Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Wapello County Fair.
Reece Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.