William "Wild Bill" R. Cook

William “Wild Bill” R. Cook, 92, of Howard, passed away at home on July 12, 2024, with his loving wife by his side.

Bill was born in New London, WI on August 28, 1931, to the late Ray Graupman and Grace (Bishop) Graupman Cook. He graduated from Green Bay East High School in 1950.

Upon Graduating, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Air Force working in Special Services. He was honorably discharged in 1953 and began working in radio and television at: WRJN (Racine), WLUK RV Sports (Green Bay), WDUZ Radio, and others. Upon leaving broadcasting, he started working at the Green Bay & Western Railroad as a Brakeman and Conductor. He retired in 1990 and worked part-time for Krider Pharmacy delivering prescriptions.

Bill had a great sense of humor, telling many “Dad jokes” and what became known as “Bill-isms”. He loved being with people - especially traveling, fishing, and cottage vacations with his children. His life-long passion was watching, talking, praising, and yes, even criticizing the Green Bay Packers. Bill had the opportunity to interview many Packer greats of the 60’s, including Ray Nitschke and Fuzzy Thurston. More recent was his love of flying in a Stearman biplane with his friend Don Powers.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Joan (née Stalter) Cook; sons: Mark (Barbara) Graupman, Paul (Heather) Cook, and David (Corinna) Cook; daughter Laura Cook; 7 grandchildren: Justin, Clorissa, Alex, Sylvia, Gabriel, Ava and Sloane; 2 great-grandchildren: Garrett and August; 2 sisters: Judy Nighorn and Mary Runge; 3 sisters-in-law:  Lorna Stalter, Jeanette (Ernie) Kriescher and Melody Sampson; one brother-in-law Peter Kennerly; and several nieces & nephews.  Bill was preceded in death by his parents, 2 sisters Martha Harvey and Florence Watkins, one brother Jewett Cook and 3 brothers-in-law: John, Peter and Carl Stalter. 

A memorial service celebrating Bill’s life will be held on Monday, July 22, 2024 at 12:30 p.m. at The Lyndahl Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1350 Lombardi Ave., Green Bay. The family will greet relatives and friends from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 12:30 p.m. Bill will be laid to rest at Pleasant Hill Cemetery at a later time.

Expressions of sympathy may be left for the family by visiting www.lyndahl.com.

The family would like to thank ADRC, Curative Connection, the VA, Unity Hospice, Dr. Dave the barber, and Kristi Yatchek for all of their help.

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