Rex Cook, 95, Dickinson, died on Thursday, October 5, 2023 at Hill Top Home of Comfort, Killdeer. Rex’s Celebration of Life Service will be 10:30 a.m., Monday, October 16, 2023 at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson with Rev. Scott Erickson officiating. Military Honors will be provided by the Dickinson American Legion Post 3 Honor Guard. Lunch will be provided following the service at the Henry Biesiot Activities Center (BAC), 398 State Ave North, Dickinson. Inurnment will take place at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan.
Rex was born north of Sentinel Butte on April 18, 1928 to Taylor and Evelyn (Northrup) Cook, one of six children. Rex and his brothers and sisters were born into ranch life. His childhood was spent on horseback and it was on a horse where he always seemed most comfortable.
When he graduated from Sentinel Butte High School, he went on to attend Dickinson State Teachers College. It was there, while completing the teacher education program where he met his wife of 73 years, Ann.
Rex served his country during the Korean Conflict and has the distinction of being honorably discharged from both the Army and the Marine Corps. He was extremely proud to have served his country and always spoke with the utmost respect for those who had also served.
When he returned from his time overseas, Rex began his teaching career at Dickinson Public Schools. He taught sixth grade for 28 years and finished his career as an English teacher at Dickinson High School.
He was, perhaps, best known, however, as a cowboy, horseman, and leather craftsman. His passion was in all things Western. Rex started colts, trained roping and cutting horses, built all manner of tack and saddles, and was always willing to help anyone who asked about those endeavors. While he often told stories about his own exploits, it was always the stories about helping others that brought the biggest smile to his face.
Rex was preceded in death by his wife, Ann, on January 29, 2018; his parents, Evelyn and Taylor Cook; brothers, Phil and Joe Cook; and sister, Marlyn Jeffries Langerud.
Rex is survived by his children, Brian (Jennifer) Cook, Bennett, CO and Sally (Gerry) Reichert, Glendive, MT; his sisters, Merdythe Popiel, Beach and Rella Abernathy; Sentinel Butte; grandchildren, Andy (Courtney) Cook, Killdeer, Elizabeth Reichert (Matt Whiteside), Rancho Mission Viejo, CA, Matt (Jessica) Cook, Basalt, CO, and Sam Reichert, Toulouse, France; great-grandchildren, Abby and Ted Cook, Boden Whiteside, Heidi, Greta and Rex Cook.
Memorials can be made to North Dakota Hall of Fame, Medora, Dickinson State University, Dickinson or Legacy Lodge/Hill Top Home of Comfort, Killdeer.
The family is very grateful to all the people who helped Rex maintain his independence. His niece, Chris Marcusen, Jamie Blankenship, all his neighbors, Chip Poland, Shaina Solan, McKenna Johnson, his lunch buddies, Dave Pokorny, dear friend, LeRoy Boespflug, Melissa Chruszch, Broden Porter, the entire Gjermundson family, and his good friend Arnie Binek who preceded him in death.
