Jo Cook

BOONE, Iowa—Jo Lynn (Cady) Cook, 78, of Dayton, IA, passed away on February 22, 2025, at Eastern Star Masonic Home in Boone, IA, surrounded by her loving husband Roger Cook and other family members.

Jo was born on January 4, 1947, in Peoria, Illinois, to Vere and Virginia (“Ninna”) Cady. She grew up in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, along with her brother Richard. She graduated from Cedar Rapids Washington High School in 1965. Jo then attended the University of Central Missouri.

Jo held various positions in the biosciences industry throughout her life, including at Kemin Industries and Fort Dodge Laboratories. In the 1980s, she also served as education director at National Education Centers in Des Moines.

On June 9, 1984, Jo married Roger Cook of Boone, IA, in St. Augustine, FL, and they began a 40-year adventure of love and joy. Jo and Roger were especially joyful to spend time with Jo’s brother, Rich, and his wife, Becca, in St. Augustine, FL, before ultimately settling in their home in Dayton, IA. Their time in St. Augustine included serving for a year at a local home for at-risk children.

Jo loved collecting antiques and loved animals, continuously adopting rescue animals from local shelters where she and Roger made them part of their family. She also loved crafting jewelry. In the 1990s, Jo, with help from a close friend, started a small business in Dayton called Anjewels – crafting necklaces, pins, and earrings. She attached a small cherub angel to all her pieces to signify their authenticity and her artistry.

Jo was preceded in death by her parents, Vere and Virginia Cady, and brother, Richard.

She is survived by her husband, Roger Cook of Dayton, IA; daughter, Amy Priest of Boone, IA; son, Brad (Lori) Corso of the Twin Cities; step-children: Cindy (Mark) Stanley of Monument, CO, Craig (Molly) Cook of Saratoga Springs, NY, Julie (Brian) Flynn of Elkhorn, NE, and Tracey (Joe) Shaffer of Kansas City, MO; 13 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren, with whom she loved spending time.

A Celebration of Life for Jo will be held on Friday, April 18, 2025, from 3:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. at Schroeder-Stark-Welin Funeral Home, 609 7th St., Boone, IA. All those whose lives Jo touched are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jo’s honor may be made to The American Humane Society.

Schroeder-Stark-Welin Funeral Home, 609 7th Street, Boone, Iowa is assisting the family with these arrangements.