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NISSWA - William Cooksey, age 90, resident of Nisswa, Minn., and Bradenton, Fla., died Sunday, August 7, 2011, at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd, Minn.

William Cooksey was born on October 30, 1920 in Oklahoma to William and Clara Cooksey. After graduating from high school in Perkins, Oklahoma Bill attended Oklahoma A&M for three years prior to enlisting in the United States Air Force. While serving in the Air Force during World War II he met Phyllis Vieregge, who was in the Army Nurse Corp, in the Philippines. Bill and Phyllis were married in 1947. Bill finished his college education at the University of Oklahoma. After graduating, with his education degree, Bill spent the next thirty years working as a teacher and administrator with the Minneapolis School District. After retiring in 1980 Bill loved to spend time at the cabin. He loved fishing, hunting, his friends, family and wife.

He is survived by wife of 64 years, Phyllis, daughters and son-in-laws Cathy (Gary) Nault - Nisswa, MN. Janet (Jeff) Horn - Baxter, MN and Sue (Matt) Macheledt - New Richmond, WI. Four grandchildren Amy (Ted) Halbur, Ali Engler (John Meyer), Korey Horn (Karly Farrell), and Kaitlyn Macheledt. Five step grandchildren Andrea (Steve) Vidano, Jeremy (Sam) Horn, Chandler Nault, Chase Nault and Chapin Nault. Three great grandchildren William, Lucas, Maxwell Halbur and five step great grandchildren Drew, Gabi, Sophia Vidano and Zach and Avery Horn. Sister Martha Caldwell, Tucson, AZ and many nieces and nephews.

Bill was a wonderful man with a great sense of humor, a gift for storytelling and the patience of a saint. He was a very active grandfather and great grandfather who will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. A celebration of his life will be Thursday, August 11, 2011 at 11:00 am at First Lutheran Church Koinonia in Brainerd with a visitation one hour prior to Services. In lieu of flowers memorials to Habitat for Humanity or Let's Go Fishing would be appreciated. Military Honors by the Brainerd VFW post 1647.

Arrangements by Nelson-Doran Funeral Home & Crematory www.nelson-doran.com

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