Anne M. Frantz-Cook
Anne Marie Finnell Frantz-Cook died peacefully on February 12, 2024, at Comforts of Home Advanced Assisted Living in Menomonie. She was 86. Her death followed a steady decline in health due to Alzheimer’s disease that lasted more than a decade. The family is immensely grateful to the staff of Comforts of Home for the loving and professional care they have provided her.
Anne was the firstborn child of Ralph and Vera Finnell, joined later by her younger brother Loren. Born July 19, 1937, in Chicago and raised in Dixon, Illinois, Anne moved to North Manchester, Indiana during high school. She graduated from Manchester High School and went on to Manchester College, completing a Bachelor’s Degree in English in 1959. During college Anne married Alan Frantz, and after graduation the couple moved to Massachusetts where they raised three children: Kathy Garrity, now of Westfield, Indiana; Valerie Frantz now of Elyria, Ohio; and Andrew Frantz now of Mount Pleasant, Michigan.
Divorcing her first husband, Anne moved to Menomonie, Wisconsin in 1979 to be with David Cook. Anne and David were married in 1981 and have lived in Menomonie ever since. Anne discovered her professional calling as a counselor at this time. Completing a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at the University of Wisconsin Stout in 1983, she worked in private practice and for counseling agencies in the Menomonie area. A gifted and compassionate healer, Anne changed many lives through her work as a therapist. Anne found a spiritual home at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Menomonie, where she served as Moderator, led worship as a lay leader, sang in the choir, and led women’s retreats. Anne was a life-long activist for peace. She loved nature and enjoyed swimming, tennis, and canoeing. She thrived on family games of croquet and cards. Her creative endeavors included sewing, quilting, photography, and performing in local productions at the Mabel Tainter Theater.
Anne was preceded in death by her parents and her brother. She is survived by her husband David Cook of Menomonie, her three children, and her three Cook step-children: Carol Flannagan of Ann Arbor, Michigan; Susan Otterson of La Crescent, Minnesota; and Stephen Cook of London, England. Also surviving are Anne’s sister-in-law Pilar Finnell and niece Lorena Finnell of Quito, Ecuador; as well as 14 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 16 at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 420 Wilson Ave. Menomonie with the leadership of Rev. Kathleen Remund. Visitation will be at 1:00 with a service at 3:00 and refreshments to follow. The family hopes that everyone who loves Anne can join us in person or virtually that day. The livestream link is
The livestream to view the service is: https://vimeo.com/event/4094452/dc91a87167 https://vimeo.com/event/4094452/dc91a87167
Donations to the church in Anne’s memory are welcome. Expressions of love and condolence may be directed to David Cook at 917 22nd Ave. NE, apt. 22, Menomonie, WI 54751.