Joseph 'Big Joe' Edward Cook, 50

Joseph “Big Joe” Edward Cook “was called home to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” on April 9, 2018, after losing his courageous battle with brain cancer.

He was born in Santa Rosa, California, on May 13, 1967, to Leon and Victoria Cook. He moved to Bigfork with his family in 1980, where he graduated from Bigfork High School in 1985. That same year he married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Jodi Bednarczyk.

He also enlisted in the Air Force and was stationed in Great Falls. After serving our country, he returned home to raise his three children with Jodi. While home he developed a passion for cooking and became a chef in many of the area’s restaurants.

Once the kids grew up a little, he changed careers and became a long haul truck driver. His last job before his illness was driving in the oil fields of North Dakota.

He was a man of many hobbies — chickens, gardening, hunting, fishing and his family’s genealogy. He was currently working on a book on the history of South Ferndale, where he lived most of his life. His biggest love in life was family. He loved being a grandpa, was a caring person and had a positive attitude ‘til the end.

Joe is survived by his wife Jodi, daughters Elisha and Amanda, and son Joseph; parents Leon and Victoria Cook; and his sister, Kimberly Schnell; as well as five grandbabies, several in-laws, nieces and nephews and cousins.

The family invites you to our celebration of Joe’s life at 5 p.m. on April 26 at Crossroads Christian Fellowship in Bigfork.

Arrangements are under the care of Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory.