Where Caring Is A Family Tradition
Cary A. Hook, age 66, passed away at Atrium Post Acute Care of Appleton, on Thursday, September 14, 2017. He grew up in Winneconne, Wisconsin and lived more recently in nearby facilities having gradually succumbed to the effects of multiple sclerosis.
Cary was born in Madison, Wisconsin on September 3, 1951, to William L. and Myrtle C. (Winegarden) Hook. He was the eldest of five surviving siblings, including Steven L. (Marilyn) Hook, Linda J. Harrah, Nancy J. (Tom) Haanen, and Patricia A. Khan. He is also survived by three children, Tracy Melhorn, William (Jessica) Hook, and Jennifer Olszewski (Paul) Ziemba.
Preceding Cary in death were his parents.
Cary was proud of the nontraditional way he spent his life prior to illness. His many talents included being a maker of fine gunstocks, repairing and selling antique guns; a maker and seller of sterling silver jewelry inset with precious stones, which he quarried himself; and a carver of fine knives. He possessed a unique spirit - snaring, skinning, and eating rattlesnake just to tell of it. He "lived to impress" and tell yarns, his favorite being how he worked for the Chicago Mafia (Not!).
He passed his artistic talents (unwittingly) to all of his children and many of his grandchildren, who include Keola Melhorn, of California; Brycen and Taylor, of Montana; and Eleanor and Adeline, of Texas.
The family will say private prayers at his resting place in the Winneconne Cemetery. Friends may contact the family through Mueller Funeral Home of Winneconne.
If you wish please submit online condolences to muellerfuneralhomeinc.com.
Ian Livingstone wrote on September 21, 2017
Its terrible to hear about your loss and I express my sincere sympathy to you and your family
Polly Kahl wrote on September 21, 2017
Cary was my very first boyfriend, Winneconne circa 1970. He was sweet underneath the bluster back then. I stayed in touch with him over the years, always visiting him when I returned to Winnebago County for my Class of '73 reunions. Unique, creative, storytelling, dreaming big dreams, and stubborn until the end. There was only one Cary Hook and there always will be. Stay the real sweet you underneath the ornery old codger, Cary, and may you be happy and at peace wherever you are. Love and condolences to all the Hooks and especially to Cary's children.
Vicki Luckow wrote on September 20, 2017
I remember Cary, and very much enjoyed his uniqueness. To his family he is at peace now, enjoying his life before multiple sclerosis took its toll. Prayer and comfort to all.
Joseph E Gillick wrote on September 18, 2017
My close friend since the 5th grade at Winneconne school. All the times we had ,hunting, shooting,movies,and our memorable Chicago trip!Lucky we survived that one! We drifted apart these last few years. Different towns and never seemed to be time to get together! Now it's too late and I'll always regret that.Enjoy the happy hunting ground .I will miss you.