Clayton Charles Cook, 84, of Brookings, SD passed away peacefully surrounded by family at the Neighborhoods at Brookview in Brookings, SD on Sunday, May 10, 2026.
A funeral service has been set for Friday, May 15, 2026 at 10 a.m. at Our Saviors Evangelical Lutheran Church in Brookings, SD. A visitation will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 14, 2026 at Rude’s Funeral Home in Brookings, SD. The family ask that you wear jackrabbit attire for the visitation if possible.
Clayton Charles Cook was born on March 17, 1942 to Charles and Elsie (Kleveter) Cook in Watertown, SD. Clayton graduated from Estelline High School.
He was united in marriage to Carol Appel and they had two sons. He purchased a garbage business in Brookings, SD, which he ran for over 40 years. Clayton married Karen Zmuda.
Clayton loved gardening, fishing, tinkering in his shed, casino trips, spending time with his family, and an avid jackrabbit fan.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Karen; his children, Curt (Sandie) of Sauk Rapids, MN, Cal (Bev) of Brookings, SD, Kay (Rick) Howey of Brookings, SD, Gary Zmuda of Sioux Falls, SD; nine grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren; a brother, Mike (Roxy) Cook of Bruce, SD and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Charles and Elsie Cook; his brother, David Cook; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Verle and Lorraine Janssen; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law Albert and Freda Appel.
Condolences may be sent to the family through www.rudesfuneralhome.com
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