Sharon Cooke

Sharon "Sherry" Ann (Behnken) Cooke, age 84, died peacefully at her home in Rochester, MN on Friday, May 30th, 2025.

She was born to Donald Behnken and Gwen (Behnken) Edwards on March 4th, 1941. She lived in 28 States before the age of 5, as her father was a Seabee in WWII. Sherry was a part of the first graduating class of John Marshall (JM) High School, June 1959. During her high school years, she was a cheerleader for all sports and a member of Job's Daughters. She was a long-time member of Christ United Methodist Church where she was a third grade Sunday school teacher for several years. Later in her life she testified before the MN Senate to help change and create better Child Support Laws.

Sherry had a love for the outdoors and nature. She used to take her daughters and nieces camping at White Water State Park. Her love for animals was apparent as she always had dogs and cats in her home. She enjoyed feeding and watching the birds in her backyard and growing flowers for them in her gardens. If she had a chance, you could find her with her feet in the water. She was known for her love of chocolate and believed you should "Always Eat Your Dessert First".

Sherry is survived by her two daughters, Lisa Cooke-Miller (Wayne) and Elizabeth Cooke (Arturo Galvan). Her grandchildren, Rebecca Galvan, Rachel Galvan and Daniel Galvan. She was a great grandmother to Rebecca's son Melvin. Her sister Cindy (Behnken) Karau (Mike), her brother Steve Behnken (Luann) and her sister-in-law Judy (Stelley) Behnken along with numerous nieces, a nephew and great nieces and nephews.

Sharon was preceded in death by her father Donald Behnken (Shirley), her mother Gwen (Behnken) Edwards (Arnie), her brother Jeff Behnken and her niece Mandy (Behnken) Munch.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday July 28th, 2025 from 3:00-5:00pm at the Cascade Lakeside Building in Cascade Park, 88 23rd Ave SW, Rochester, MN.

Those that wish to make a donation in Sherry's name are asked to do so with any of the following organizations: Paws and Claws-Rochester, MN, The National Audubon Society. Quarry Hill Nature Center-Rochester, MN, The National Eagle Center-Wabasha, MN, Washburn County Area Human Society-Spooner, WI, Hunt Hill Nature Center-Sarona, WI and The Parks and Trails Council of MN and write "Friends of White Water State Park" in the check memo.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Cooke family. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com.