Lois Jean Cook

Lois Jean Moen was born in Mahnomen on April 11, 1927, the only daughter of Clarence and Agnes (Klinkhammer) Moen. She grew up in Mahnomen and graduated with the class of 1945. During high school, Lois helped the family financially by working at Edna’s Grocery Store. After graduation, she became employed by REA. On July 16, 1948, Lois was united in marriage to Vincent Cook. The couple made their first home together in Muskegon Heights, MI, for a short time before moving back to Mahnomen in 1949. In the early 1950’s, Lois began working in Moorhead, MN, for the USDA for a number of years, followed by the Mahnomen Hospital. In the early 1960’s, Lois began her more than 35 year career with Mahnomen County. She began as a Deputy Auditor and in 1976 was elected as the Clerk of Courts, which led to the appointed Court Administrator. In December of 1993, Vince passed away and Lois remained living in their home and working at the court house until her retirement in 1996. In 2008, she moved to Valley Views Commons in Mahnomen until her health began to decline and she moved to Arbor Park Assisted Living to be closer to her children in 2011. Under Hospice Care of the Red River Valley, Lois went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, February 15, 2015. She was 87 years old. Lois was a woman of great faith. She lived her life as a true servant and one recognizing the Beatitudes of Jesus as the way to live each day. Lois was known to pray the Rosary up to six times a day. She was a lifelong member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church and also the National Society of Foresters. No matter what walk of life you came from, Lois was always willing to help out and see the positive in people. Lois also loved to be in the presence of children as they truly were a gift from God. In addition to her faith, Lois had a love for music and playing the piano. She also enjoyed visiting with people and her frequent stops at the Red Apple for coffee. Lois is survived by two sons, Larry “Knute” of Fargo, ND, and Dan (Lavon) of Hawley, MN; one daughter, Cathy Hjelle also of Fargo; three grandchildren: Trevor, South Korea, Thomas and Megan, both of Fargo; one brother, Donald (Vi) Moen of Denver, CO; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; three grandsons: Gregg, Kirk and Ryan; and an infant brother. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2015, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Mahnomen. Visitation will be at St. Michael’s Catholic Church on Friday, February 20th from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., with a Prayer Service and Rosary beginning at 6:30 p.m. Burial will take place at St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery in Mahnomen.

Lois Jean Cook

April 11, 1927 - February 15, 2015