Wilma Cook

Wilma Elmer Cook, 83, Bismarck, died June 26, 2006 at a local care center. Services will be held at 10:30 AM Friday at Bismarck Evangelical Church with the Rev. Scott Jordan officiating. Burial will be held at 2:30 PM Friday at the United Methodist Cemetery, Hebron. Following the interment, there will be a coffee hour at the Phoenix Room in Hebron for family and friends. Visitation will be held from 5 PM - 9 PM Wednesday and 9 AM - 9 PM Thursday at Eastgate Funeral Service. A prayer service will be held at 7 PM Thursday at the funeral home. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church. Wilma Marie Elmer was born on January 26, 1923 in Hebron, ND, the fourth child of John and Emilie Wildi Elmer. She was raised and educated in Hebron and graduated from Hebron High School in 1941. She graduated from Westmar College, LeMars, IA, in 1946, with a degree in elementary education. Her teaching career included teaching in a country school near Richardton, in the Elgin School, in several schools in Bismarck, and for more than 20 years, in Hebron. She lived with and cared for her parents in Hebron until they passed away. In 1975, Wilma moved to Portland, OR, where she was the assistant librarian at Western Evangelical Seminary for eight years. She then worked as a Senior Companion in the Portland area for three years before moving back to Bismarck, in 1986. In Bismarck she worked as a Senior Companion and for Professional Home Care, as well as being involved in many volunteer activities. She was a member of the Bismarck Evangelical Church, where she was active in choir, Sunday School, and the Women's Missionary Group. She was also a member of the Retired Teachers' Association. Wilma married Rev. Raymond Cook on May 5, 2001, and became an instant grandmother! Wilma is remembered as a loving woman with an amazing memory for people, names, and even birthdays. She was a gifted teacher, a devoted caregiver, a wonderful baker, a talented musician, and an encourager, who had something good to say about everyone. She loved children, and much joy was brought into her life by her nieces and nephews, her step-grandchildren, and her many students. Wilma is survived by her husband, Raymond, Bismarck; two step-daughters, Earlyne Clyde Leimberer, Bismarck and Rae Joyce John Marsyla, Bonita Springs, FL; one step-son, Raymond, Jr. Rose Cook, Bridgeville, PA; one sister, Ruth Elmer, Bismarck; one brother, Harold Alma Elmer, Hilo, HI; one sister-in-law, Viola Elmer, Bismarck; many nieces, nephews, and step-grandchildren; and her many students. She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Esther Lawson and Helen Unruh; and one brother, Rev. Walter Elmer.

Wilma Cook

January 26, 1923 - June 26, 2006