Michael Dean Cook

Michael Dean Cook passed away at home with family by his side after a courageous 6 1/2 year battle with cancer on May 29 in Lincoln, Nebraska. He was 67 years old. Michael was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on August 29, 1956 to Billy and Shirley Cook. He was united in marriage to Dena Mathias and they treasured 44 years together. After graduating from Southeast Community College with honors, Mike was employed at various companies within his HVAC and Engineering field. His first job out of college was with the Arix Corporation in Greeley, CO. His career also included: Gene Evanson Engineering in Greeley Colorado, Shanahan Mechanical and Electrical in Valparaiso, NE, The Waldinger Corporation in Kansas City, MO, General Excavating, H & S Plumbing, and U.S. Engineering in Loveland, CO. His final and proudest achievement was co-owner of Vision Mechanical in Lincoln, NE.

Creative, artistic, kind and funny. Mike had the warmest heart if you were given it, humor if you were witty enough to catch it, and loyal, if you were lucky enough to earn it. Mike was recognized as the “Wizard” in his industry. He earned a reputation for his perfectionism, and professionalism. He was devoted to his goals and worked diligently towards achieving them. Mike had a strong sense of purpose, determination, and resilience, always going the extra mile to overcome obstacles, and expecting the same in return. He poured his heart and soul into growing Vision Mechanical from the ground up with partners Ron Runyan and Chad Francisco. He became LEED Green Certified while at US Engineering. His proud accomplishments include: Rocky Flats in Denver, CO, The Lied Lodge at Arbor Day Farm in Nebraska City, NE, Advanced Medical Imaging, many Fire Stations, The Beadle Center, Memorial Stadium, Lincoln Surgical Hospital, Breslow Ice Hockey Center, Lincoln Children’s Zoo, and many projects with The University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He was proud to be specially chosen as a consultant for the restoration of the Nebraska State Capitol.

His leisure time was spent remodeling his beloved house, grilling, golfing, gardening and entertaining. He had a lifetime love affair with the Indy 500 and the song “Back home again in Indiana '', his favorite driver was Mario Andretti. He respected old-fashioned values. He admired JFK, Arnold Palmer, and Charlie Munger. Loved listening to crooners Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. Known for Mike’s Morel Mushrooms in May cookout, 4th of July and Christmas Eve parties, when you were invited to Mike and Dena’s home you never left hungry or disappointed. Our hearts are broken and he will be greatly missed by all. Mike was truly one of a kind.

He is survived by his wife Dena, sisters: Deborah (Mike) Caris of Plymouth, MN, Brenda Steinkamp of Lincoln, NE, Cheri Cook of Cape Coral, FL, brother Mark Cook of Dallas, TX. Nephews: Jason Caris (Marie), Jeff (Christine) Caris, Joshua Caris,Jonathan (Melissa) Caris, Eric (Mollie) Steinkamp, Carsen (Sydney) Cook, Adam (Zoey) Cook, Andrew Cook and Shad Miller. Nieces: Brook (Brian) Rote, Dara Smith (Conan), Gina (Gary) Barber, Rachel (Jake) Dostal, Kerry Julian, and Madisen Cook. Aunt Linda and Uncle William Allee of Greencastle, IN. Cousins: Cynthia (Kevin) Knotts, Tamara Allee (Charles Crowder) Teresa Hess (David Dickerson) and Veda Jean Tobias, all of Indiana. Many great nieces and nephews and his beloved dog Winslow.

Preceded in death by his parents, Shirley and Billy Cook; Aunt Dorothy Jane, Uncle Norman Nicolai and their daughter Shari Lynn; brother-in-law Keith Steinkamp and grandparents: John and Lola Schmitt and Lester and Bonnie Cook.

A Celebration of Life will be held June 29, 2024 10:00 a.m. at New Covenant Community Church, 6000 So. 84th Street, Lincoln, NE. Condolences can be left at lincolnfh.com. As a lifelong learner, education was always a strong value of Mike’s. A scholarship fund is being established in his honor to continue to grow the trades. Memorials to the family may be designated to this fund and will be added once established. Additional information coming soon. A special thank you to all the wonderful doctors, surgeons and nurses at Bryan Hospital in Lincoln, NE, all staff at Cancer Partners of Nebraska and Horisun Hospice.