Jack Kooker
Jack L. Kooker, 82, of Storm Lake, formerly of Moville, died Saturday, June 17, 2017 at Buena Vista Regional Medical Center in Storm Lake.
Memorial services were held Thursday, June 22 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Storm Lake. Burial was in St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery in Kingsley.
Jack Leroy Kooker was born May 6, 1935 in Des Moines the son of Kenneth and Lenora (Olsen) Kooker. Growing up, Jack attended school in Des Moines and Moville where he graduated from Moville High School in 1954.
Following high school graduation, Jack enlisted in the United States Army. He proudly served his country until he was honorably discharged in 1956.
Upon returning home, Jack attended Westmar College where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1960. He furthered his education at the University of Missouri at Maryville, where he earned a Master’s degree in education.
While attending Westmar College in Le Mars, Jack met the love of his life, Sally Shearer. On August 19, 1961, Jack was united in marriage to Sally Shearer in Kingsley. Together, they were blessed with four children: Mark, Jeffrey, David and Ann.
Jack was currently a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Storm Lake. He participated in Knights of Columbus and was a Grand Knight and also on the CCD Board.
Jack worked as the elementary principal for Storm Lake Schools for many years. He served on the Red Barn Board (from 1980-1986), Storm Lake City Council (from 1990-1993), Lions Club, Elks Lodge Member and was also on the Faith, Hope and Charity Board.
Family picnics, cooking, family gatherings and watching sporting events for Storm Lake High School and Buena Vista University were a few of Jack’s favorite pastimes.
He enjoyed being outdoors, golfing, fishing and taking photographs.
Throughout the day, Jack would check emails and Facebook to ensure he was staying in touch with family and friends. One could find Jack giving advice, storytelling, or making a difference in the life of a child.
He thoroughly treasured spending time with his grandchildren and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Those left to cherish his memory include his children: Mark (Jana) Kooker of Des Moines; Jeffrey Kooker (Dawson R. Murchison) of Poulsbo, Wash.; David (Renee) Kooker of Cedar Rapids; and Ann (Bob) Radvansky of Emmetsburg; grandchildren Taylor Kooker of Des Moines; Benjiman Kooker of Des Moines; Jacklyn Radvansky of Emmetsburg; Ashleigh Radvansky of Anchorage, Alaska; Kari Sneitzer of Cleveland, Ohio; and Elizabeth (Adam) Sneitzer of Washington, DC; brothers-in-law Rex (Darlene) Shearer of Storm Lake and Martin (Cathy) Shearer of Luverne, Minn.; a sister-in-law, Shirley Kooker of Spencer; many nieces and nephews; and extended family and friends.
Jack was preceded in death by his wife, Sally Kooker; his parents, Kenny and Lenora Kooker; brothers Earl and John Kooker; and parents-in-law Clifford and Dorothy Shearer.
