Gayle Karch Cook

Gayle Karch Cook, 91, of Bloomington, and co-founder of Cook Group Inc., passed away peacefully at her residence on August 17, 2025. Gayle, born on March 1, 1934, in Evansville, Indiana, was the daughter of Arthur and Thelma Karch. Her surviving relatives include her son Carl Cook of Bloomington, daughter-in-law Marcy (Heshelman) Cook, and granddaughter Eleanor Lynnette Cook. She also has nephews Kurt Karch (Waverlyn) and Kevin Karch (Lori Campbell), great-niece Kayla Karch (Aaron) Wilder, and daughter Millie. Additionally, there’s great-nephew Allen (Christine) Karch and son Flynn. Gayle was preceded in death by her husband, William A. Cook, who passed away in 2011, as well as her brother, Glenn Arthur Karch, and his wife, Marian. A proud native of Evansville, Indiana, Gayle grew up in a tight-knit farming community, near Angel Mounds. Her parents encouraged her to pursue her artistic and academic talents, and she graduated as salutatorian from Bosse High School in 1952 before obtaining a Batchelor of Arts degree in fine arts, graduating Phi Beta Kappa from Indiana University in 1956 and was a member of Alpa Omicron Pi. Gayle married Bill Cook in 1957, and their son Carl was born in 1962. The couple settled in Bloomington, where they began developing medical devices from their apartment—work that grew into what is now Cook Medical. Throughout her life, Gayle was a tireless advocate for restoration, preservation, and civic improvement. She championed the successful completion of more than 70 projects in economic development and historic preservation. She co-authored two books on the subject: A Guide to Southern Indiana (1972, with Bill Cook) and Monroe County in Focus (1990, with Diana Hawes and Will Counts). Her leadership and dedication were recognized with numerous honors, including Indiana Landmarks’ Williamson Prize, the City of Bloomington’s Freedom of the City Award, Indiana University’s Gertrude Rich Award, and an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters. Gayle and Bill shared not only a lifelong partnership but also a profound sense of responsibility to their community and company. Together, they worked to improve the lives of those around them and to preserve the cultural and historic fabric of Indiana. Visitation will be held on Friday, September 5, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Cook World Headquarters – Front Rotunda, 750 Daniels Way, Bloomington, Indiana. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Gayle’s honor to the Monroe County History Center, 202 E. 6th Street, Bloomington, Indiana, 47408, or to a charity of one’s choice. Allen Funeral Home and Crematory 4155 South Old State Road 37 has been entrusted with arrangements and online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with family and friends at www.allencares.com

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Gayle Karch Cook

March 1, 1934 - August 17, 2025