Photo that accompanied Jerry's obituary on the funeral home website.
Contributed by rkohler3 on 12/19/24 - Image Year: 2015
OBITUARY for ARTHUR JEROME "JERRY" COOK
Arthur Jerome “Jerry” Cook passed away Monday, December 16, 2024, at home in Mifflin with his family members by his side.
Jerry was born on January 29, 1941, in Lewistown, PA, the son of the late Arthur S. Cook and Marian (Rodgers) Cook and grew up in Mifflin.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia (Renninger) Cook and daughters Rebecca (Chad) Asplund of Bethesda, MD and Rachel (Perry) Psaros of Wilmington, DE and stepdaughter Stephanie Duncan (companion Lee Lenkner) of Wilmington, DE. Grandchildren Sam Asplund of Jackson, MS, Matthew (Katie) Asplund, New Orleans, LA, Alexa Psaros, Luke Psaros both of Wilmington DE. A brother, Samuel (Eileen) Cook of Mifflintown, nephews and nieces, Colleen Thompson, Glen (Bonnie) Cook, Jan (Brock) Bair, Todd (Natalie) Benner, and Dan Benner. Preceding him in death was a very special cousin, Emma Benner.
Jerry graduated from Juniata Joint High School in 1958 and West Virginia University in 1962. After which, he served in the Army’s 2d Infantry Division (Artillery), at Ft Benning GA from 1963 to 1965. Following his tour of duty in the Army, he returned home and started work at Juniata Valley Bank. He worked at JVB for 35 years serving as CEO for 28 years and remained as board director for an additional 11 years.
Active in several local churches, he served as an Elder, Trustee and Sunday School Superintendent at Westminster Presbyterian Church and an Elder and Sunday School Superintendent at Port Royal Presbyterian Church. Later, he became a member of the Port Royal Lutheran Church.
Jerry was involved in several civic organizations. He served as Secretary of Juniata Jaycees, President of the Rotary, Chairman of Group V of the Pennsylvania Bankers Association, Chairman of the PBA Convention, and various other committees within the PBA. He was a 50-plus year member of Union Lodge 324, Juniata Valley Forest No. 88 and the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. A local philanthropist, he served on numerous fund-raising drives for charity. Jerry enjoyed golfing as a member of Lost Creek Golf Course and the Lewistown Country Club, and socializing at the VFW 5863, American Legion Post 298 and AM Vets Post 122.
Jerry had many joys in his life but none greater than spending time with his daughters, grandchildren and family. He enjoyed traveling and meeting new people, but always felt most at home in Juniata County. Jerry was a regular at many of the local breakfast stops, sharing stories with his coffee club friends, and also enjoyed regular meetings with the neighborhood wine night ladies.
There will be a closed casket visitation beginning at 1 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 20 followed by his funeral at 2 p.m. at Guss Funeral Home, Inc., 20 S. Third St., Mifflintown with Rev. Joanne Torma officiating. Interment will be in Westminster Presbyterian Cemetery, Mifflintown.
The family will provide all flowers and asks that you consider making a memorial contribution the Port Royal Lutheran Church, PO Box 267, Port Royal, PA 17082 or to Family Hospice, 20 Sheraton Drive, Altoona, PA 16601.
