Linda Margaret Cook, 78, of Spirit Lake, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 31, 2025, at Community Memorial Health Care in Hartley, Iowa.
Linda was born on November 14, 1946, to Charles Eugene and Lois Eileen (Ralle) Lynn in Spirit Lake. She graduated from Spirit Lake High School and went on to earn her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Creighton University. Later, she achieved her Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Phoenix.
In April 1968, she was united in marriage to James Allen Cook. To this union, five children were born – Lara, Brian, Jeff, Lisa, and Jason.
A dedicated teacher, Linda taught seventh-grade English in Gilbert, Arizona, for nearly 25 years. In her free time, Linda loved reading and spending quiet moments outdoors in the sunshine. The Iowa Great Lakes area was always “home”, no matter where she lived, and was thrilled to return to The Lakes upon her retirement. Above all, she cherished time with her family and friends, with some friendships spanning more than 70 years. She will be fondly remembered for her warm heart, her love of laughter, and her signature red lipstick and painted red toenails.
Left to treasure her memory are her children, Lara (Wade) Walker of Carlsbad, CA; Jeff (Amanda) Cook of Gilbert, AZ; Lisa Riley of Gilbert, AZ; and Jason (Kelly) Cook of Vista, CA; grandchildren Kaitlyn Salazar, Nicole Walker, Nathan Walker, Ryan Walker, Kylee Cook, Taylar Cook, and Elliott Mary Margaret Cook; great-grandchildren Kora and Klover Salazar; and her brother, Charles Lynn Jr. of Florida.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her infant son, Brian James Cook; and her brother, Thomas John Lynn. A Mass of Christian Burial for Linda will be held at a later date at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Spirit Lake. Arrangements are under the direction of Robinson Funeral Home in Spirit Lake. Online condolences may be left at www.spiritlakefuneralhome.com.