John M. Crook, known as “Big John” or “Jack” to his friends and family, passed away June 12, 2012 at Greenway Manor in Spring Green, after a short battle with cancer.  He was surrounded by his family.

John was born to Mark & Helen (Olson) Crook on August 5,1935.  He graduated from Spring Green High School in 1954 and later  served in the US Marine Corps. John married Gracie Larsen on January 25, 1958.  They raised 5 children in Wyoming Valley, Barneveld and Bear Valley: Sydney Crook (Scott Phillips), Mitchell (Monica) Crook, Jesse Crook (Teri Cooper), John (Cheri) Crook and Robert Crook (Jan Francois).

John and Doloris Rogers Strait were married on December 5, 1989 and shared their lives together in Lone Rock.

He is survived by his wife, Doloris, his children and step children: Vicki (Butch) Thorson, Shelly Crook (Charlie Chaffee), Jamie (Pam) Rogers, Patrick (Pam) Rogers , Marc Rogers, Pam Rodgers (Terry Dobson), Ruth (Barry) Uphoff, Stacy (Jack) Daniels, a brother, James Crook, 37 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren, who were the joy in his life.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Mark and Helen, his brothers, David and Jerry Crook, a granddaughter, Jessica and a grandson, Joey.

A celebration of his life (he said, “NO FUNERAL!”), will be held at the Clyde Community Center on July 7, 2012 at 1:00 p.m.  Friends are welcome to come and join the family for a luncheon to share memories, stories and laughs.  Especially laughs..that’s what he wanted…. and beer!