William J. Cook

William J. (Bill) Cook, 84, a longtime employee of the Great Northern Railroad, died Friday evening, July 24, at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center. He was born at Choteau, to Harvey and Mary Cook on February 18, 1931. He served with distinction in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict.

He married Adeline Isabel Morris February 24, 1951, and they had four children, Fayme Christine, Kevien Henry, Alzora Doreen and Lynn Etta. She preceded him in death on April 29, 1973. Bill had worked mainly as a crew foreman for the Great Northern Railway along the highline route of central and western Montana until his retirement.

He married Doris Poole November 17, 1973, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and Bill increased his family by adding Doris’ children, Kim Poole Backen, Chris Poole Vandenboss and Loren Poole.  He and Doris made their home in Troy with Doris preceding him in death in 2011. They both enjoyed an extended family that included 15 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Also surviving Bill is his sister Mary Lou. He was also preceded in death by a grandson, Joseph Arnet Vandenboss and a sister Alzora Amelie Freeze and a brother James Ivan.

Services will be Friday, July 31, at 2 p.m. at the Troy Church of God. Condolences and memories may be shared online by visiting www.schnackenbergfh.com