Daniel L. "Dan" Cook

Daniel (Dan) Lynn Cook, 52 of Missoula, Montana passed away June 16, 2014 at St. Patrick's Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer that he fought with grace, grit, and an improbable smile.

Dan was born January 15, 1962 in Honolulu, HI. He was educated in Great Falls and Missoula schools, graduating from Sentinel High School in 1980.

Dan was a true patriot. He served in the Army Reserve for 24 years. Dan served with the 279th Engineering Detachment from Missoula and traveled for summer camps to Europe, Honduras and other locations. He also went to Iraq in 2003 for a one year tour of duty. He retired from the reserves in 2004 as SFC.

Dan married Peggy Gehnert, the love of his life in 1996 and together they raised two sons, Jacob and Jesse. Dan was a devoted father who taught his boys many of life's lessons. He also shared with them his love of outdoor activities including archery, golf, skiing, motorbiking, fishing and hunting. Dan helped coach Little League Baseball for many years.

Dan was probably happiest in the great outdoors searching for that elusive trophy bull elk or fishing for the trout that would top all stories. His love of nature brought him much enjoyment and satisfaction.

Many residents in the region know of Dan's beautiful tile work through his business Dan's Custom Tile. He operated the business for over 30 years. He took great pride in doing quality work, and that was reflected in the reputation that he built.

Survivors include his wife Peggy, sons Jacob and Jesse, father and mother Darrel and Joan Cook of Great Falls, brothers Dan Heser, Duane (Sandy) Heser, sisters Natalie (Richard) Johns, Connie(Bert) Crawford, and numerous nieces and nephews, and innumerable special friends.

A memorial service will be held at Garden City Funeral Home on Friday, June 20, 2014 at 1:00 pm with a reception to follow at the funeral home. Inurnment of his urn will take place at Missoula Veterans Cemetery with full military honors following the reception.

Condolences and memories may be left for the family at www.missoulafuneralhomes.com

Read Daniel Cook's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.