Brent M. Cook, age 76, of La Porte, IN, passed away on Thursday, April
2, 2026.
Brent was born on January 7, 1950, in Rochester, IN, to the late Elmer
and Ester Cook. One of five, Brent grew up on his family’s farm, where
they raised crops, pigs, and eventually melons. Brent attended schools
in New Carlisle, where he was involved in the Future Farmers of America.
Brent was also a state-recognized wrestler during his high school career.
Brent served his country as a Marine, where he was the Chief Warehouse
Manager for the company’s radar systems. He ascended the ranks to
Corporal until his discharge in 1975. Brent worked at Roll Coater as a
Crane Operator for years, even through the company’s name change to
Pre-Coat Metals. He spent 24 years with the company until his well-
earned retirement.
Brent loved to fish and camp and enjoyed going on vacations with
family and friends. When Brent ended his service with the Marines, he
took off with his backpack and went wherever the railways took him.
This sparked Brent’s love for Minnesota, and he often planned family
vacations there.
Brent was a true Marine: gruff and stubborn, but he had a huge heart. He
enjoyed making other people laugh and formed a special bond with his grandson, Oaklen. Brent’s love for his family, his hardworking nature,
and his love of the open road will be remembered by all who were lucky
to know him. He will be deeply missed.
Brent is survived by his children: Tiffany (Jessi) Maule and Brent
(Nastasha) Cook; grandchildren: Jessi and Oaklen Maule; grandpup:
Nena; siblings: Sandra Cook, Elaine (John) Klein, and Keith (Penny)
Cook, former spouse and lifelong friend: Judy Cook; and dear friends:
Bob and Kathy Hensel and Dave Hahn.
Brent is preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Esther; son, Gary
Cook; brother: Richard Cook; sister-in-law: Susie Cook; and best friend:
Mike Hahn.
Family and friends may gather for a Celebration of Brent’s Life at
Hillside Missionary Church (21567 W Ireland Rd, South Bend, IN
46614) at 2:00 P.M. Brent will be laid to rest in Knox, IN, at a later date.
To view the online obituary and sign the guestbook, please visit
www.haverstockfuneralhome.com
