July 27, 2012  

LOWVILLE, N.Y.  —  Bernard L. Rook, 84, formerly of West Road, died Friday morning at Lewis County Residential Healthcare Facility.

A funeral service will be 11 a.m. Monday, July 30, at New Life Fellowship, Beaver Falls with Rev. Jack Bushey, son-in-law, officiating. Burial will be in West Lowville Rural Cemetery. Calling hours are 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday, July 29, at Iseneker Funeral Home, Inc., Lowville.

Born Aug. 4, 1927, in Utica, the son of the late Gerald and Pernal Burke Rook, he graduated in 1945 from Lowville Academy. He worked on area farms in the early years, and went to work for Payne-Jones in 1954, where he worked until his retirement in 1989.

On October 4, 1951, he married Beulah Archer, with whom he had five children. Beulah died in 1982. Ge married Bettie Washburn on Sept. 9, 1989, in Macomb, NY.

He was an active member of the Nazarene Church in Lowville for over 30 years, where he was a Sunday School teacher, and put in many hours helping to build the current building on Route 12. He later became an active member of New Life Fellowship in Beaver Falls, where he enjoyed being part of the senior citizens fellowship group.

After retirement, Bernard and his wife Bettie took a missions trip to Haiti, and four trips to China, bringing Bibles to the people there. 

To honor Bernard with a contribution in his name, go to americanbible.org (click on honor and memorials) or American Bible Society, P.O. Box 96812, Washington, D.C. 20090-6812 You may specify that the Bibles be sent to China if you wish.

Bernard was a dedicated Christian man who was devoted to his family and to his church. He was a very hard worker who was known for helping others, often behind the scenes. He was a man of the highest integrity, who always tried to do the right thing, both in public and in private.

Mr. Rook enjoyed social gatherings, vegetable gardening, camping, fishing, and travel. He loved a good joke, especially practical jokes, and was quick to laugh and have fun.

Bernard was a faithful husband and wonderful father, and will be missed more than words can say.

Surviving are his wife, Bettie; five children and their spouses, Bernard Jr. and Wendy Rook of Vernon, Barbara and Arel Brown of Beaches Bridge, Pamela and Jack Bushey of Beaver Falls, Douglas and Vanessa Rook of Lowville, Steven Rook and his companion, Patricia Sweet of Greig; a sister and her husband, June and Donald Edick of West Martinsburg; eleven grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and cousins. 

He was predeceased by his first wife, Beulah Archer Rook.

Condolences may be made online at www.isenekerfuenralhome.com. 





Information provided by Iseneker Funeral Home of Lowville and Newzjunky, Watertown, N.Y.