Ivan J Cook

Ivan J. Cook, 86, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, passed away peacefully on May 3, 2025, at Lincoln Court. Born on October 26, 1938, in Idaho Falls to Phineas Leo Cook and Thelma Leavitt. Ivan met the love of his life, Colleen Byram Cook, in high school, and on November 7, 1958, they were sealed for time and all eternity in the Idaho Falls Temple. Together, they raised their family in Rigby, Idaho; Basin City and Pasco, Washington; and Echo and Hermiston, Oregon.

Ivan devoted his career to agriculture, focusing on farm development, hay cubing, and inventing farm equipment. He was driven by a desire to convert raw land into fertile farms. He farmed for many years in potatoes, corn, wheat, hay, and his specialty, alfalfa. He worked with his brother Vernon Cook for a time before establishing a thriving hay export business with Japan.

While running the hay export business, Ivan founded Circle C Equipment to invent, manufacture, and sell farm equipment. Passionate about improving farming, he invented several noteworthy pieces of equipment. These included durable conditioning rolls for improved hay drying, a bale stacker capable of loading one-ton bales with a simple button press, large wheel rakes for faster raking without adding debris to the hay, and metal wheels for irrigation pivots that prevent soil rutting. His work demonstrated a dedication to innovation within the agricultural industry.

A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Ivan found great fulfillment in his faith and service. In the Hermiston Oregon stake, Ivan served as Bishop, High Councilor, and Stake Missionary. Ivan and his dear wife Colleen served nearly two decades as temple ordinance workers in the Portland Oregon and Columbia River Temples. They also went on multiple full-time missions, including in the Romania Moldova Mission and the Arizona Tucson Mission. After returning home, Ivan continued focusing on missionary work to bring people to Jesus Christ. He found immense joy in his faith and service, which profoundly touched the lives of hundreds.

Ivan left this world a better place through constant hard work, raising a faithful family, advancing the agriculture industry, and consistently serving his religious and local communities.

His legacy includes 8 children, 26 grandchildren, and 35+ great-grandchildren. His children and their spouses include Greg and Melody Cook in Stanfield, Oregon; Darren and Patsy Cook in Boardman, Oregon; Teresa and Mike Bowers in West Jordan, UT; Brenda and Casey Lovell in Brigham City, Utah; Wes and Kara Cook in Elk Ridge, UT; Christine and Darren Sponseller in Roberts, Idaho, as well as his foster daughter John Ann and her spouse Lind Hogan in Crow Agency, Montana.

Ivan Cook is survived by his wife of nearly 67 years, Colleen Byram Cook and his legacy.

Ivan was preceded in death by his youngest daughter Trudy Lianne Cook; his great granddaughter Sophie Jo Cook; his son-in-law Darren Sponseller; his parents Leo & Thelma Cook; his brothers Harvey Cook and Vernon Cook; and sisters Anna Jex, Ellen Gneiting, and Irene Olsen.

Services will be held Thursday May 22, 2025, at 11:00am at the Ucon Idaho LDS Chapel (10854 North 41 East Ucon, Idaho 83401). A viewing will be held prior to the service from 9:30-10:45am.  The internment will be at the Ucon Cemetery (3960 105th North, Idaho Falls, Idaho 83401)