Services
Obituary
Charles Cook, 65, of Belmond, passed away on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City.
Memorial services will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Ewing Funeral Home, 111 Luick’s Lane South in Belmond, with Pastor Jim Gochenouer officiating.
Visitation will be held from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM at Ewing Funeral Home, prior to services on Saturday.
Charles Francis Cook, beloved son of Phillip and Elizabeth (McLaughlin) Cook, was born on January 2, 1960, in Mason City, Iowa. He grew up in Northwood, Iowa until his sophomore year of high school when his family moved to Belmond. He completed his secondary education at Belmond High School graduating with the Class of 1978.
Following high school, Charlie pursued further education at Mankato Area Vocational Technical Institute, graduating in 1981. He embarked on a successful career in the tech industry, working as a computer consultant for 20 years, eventually establishing and running his own business.
Charlie met the love of his life early in life. During his junior year of high school, Charlie met Monica Halverson also of Belmond. The mutual infatuation grew into a lifelong bond that was steadfast and supportive of their respective educations and careers. They married in 1996 on a beach in Puerto Rico.
Charlie developed an interest in sailing in the 1980’s. That interest continued to grow until it became all-consuming. In 2001, Charlie’s midlife crisis took him to the sea. He and Monica joined a crew aboard a square-rigger and sailed from Curacao through the Panama Canal and across the South Pacific Ocean. The 11,000-mile journey proved to be life changing.
Unable to find the motivation to return to the corporate world after their sabbatical at sea, Charlie and Monica chose to become professional sailors. They trained aboard other square-riggers in England to join the ranks of certified deckhands. Their first maritime job was aboard a schooner that was operated by a non-profit organization that provides environmental education to youth of all ages. The mission of the organization was purposeful and inspiring. Charlie and Monica spent the next 12 years working for similar organizations with similar missions. Charlie continued to build upon his maritime skills and knowledge eventually earning a 100-ton Near Coastal Master’s License. Charlie also found time to crew on yacht deliveries which he viewed as a busman’s holiday. His sailing career took him to interesting places and allowed him to meet some incredible people along the way.
Charlie and Monica eventually returned to Belmond to be closer to family. When not at sea, Charlie enjoyed tinkering with antique tractors, lending a hand at his Uncle Joe’s full-service gas station and working as a courier for Iowa Specialty Hospital.
Although he would never admit it, Charlie was a people person in his own unique way. He enjoyed socializing with people who shared his interests. He was appreciated for his witty sense of humor, quest for adventure, infectious smile, hearty laugh and so much more.
He is survived by his soulmate of 49 years, Monica Halverson of Belmond; sisters JoAnne (Allan) Kappmeyer of Clear Lake and Susan Cook-Balduf of Steamboat Rock; brother Stephen (Judy) Cook of Stillwater, Minnesota; mother-in-law Marcella Halverson; sister-in-law Marsha Pederson; godmother Ramona McLaughlin; aunts Gertrude Bormann and Ruth (James) Aldrich; uncle Stephen (Sharon) McLaughlin; along with many nieces, nephews and extended family.
Charles is preceded in death by his parents; grandparents John “Jack” & Margaret (Blair) McLaughlin, George Cook and Bonnie (Stapleton) Higgins; sister Nancy Watrud; father-in-law Merlin Halverson; brother-in-law Mark Pederson; godfather John “Joe” McLaughlin; uncles James (Edith) McLaughlin and Ralph Bormann; and aunt Carmen (Jerry) Minnihan.