Robert was born on April 20, 1927, in Oskaloosa, Iowa to Jay E. and Freda Nevins Cook Sr. He was raised in Oskaloosa and attended Oskaloosa High School. He also attended Central College in Pella. During World War II he served in the U.S. Navy on the USS Pt. Cruz in the South Pacific. On April 11, 1948, he was married to Betty Van Pelt in Ottumwa, Iowa. The couple lived in Oskaloosa and California before moving to Waterloo. He was a mortgage banker in Waterloo, Marshalltown and Madison, Wisconsin. From 1988 to 1992 he owned and operated the Brother's Maid Rite in Grinnell. Robert was a member of the American Legion, and he enjoyed golfing, hunting, bowling and playing cards. He also enjoyed doing yard work and spending time with his family. Survivors include his wife, Betty Cook of Grinnell; one daughter, Christine (Paul) Petersen of Madison, Wisconsin; two sons, Robert (Marla) Cook Jr. of Marshalltown and Dennis (Tanya) Cook of Madison, Wisconsin; nine grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; one cousin, Tom (Mary) Nevins of Missouri; and a number of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Fred Cook and Jay E. Cook Jr. Memorials may be directed to Grinnell Regional Hospice.