In Memory of Dan Cook

The Lake Superior Art Association would like to acknowledge the passing of Marquette artist Dan Cook.

Dan Cook, shown here at Art on the Rocks, was a well known and successful local artist.

Local artist, Dan Cook, passed away on March 31, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of community service and paintings of iconic Lake Superior scenery.

Dan graduated from Marquette Senior High School in 1970. After high school, he served in the Army National Guard from 1970 to 1976. On July 14, 1973, he married Marilyn Menucci, with whom he shared a lifetime of love and partnership.


Dan worked in the family business, Cook Sign Service from 1970 until he retired in 2001. Dan described himself on his Facebook page as “a retired sign painter that has lived and worked in Marquette since I was 17.” But he was much more than that. Dan served the Marquette community in many ways, including as a member of the Marquette Board of Appeals, the Janzen House Board, the Salvation Army Board, and the Brownfield Committee. He was an avid fisherman and the first president of the South Shore Fishing Association, which he founded in 2002.


After retiring, Dan became a well-known artist in the Marquette community, generously donating many of his paintings to fundraisers. He exhibited his artwork at local art shows, including Art on the Rocks. His paintings often featured water and boats; a softly glowing harbor accented with spiky sailboat masts; downtown Marquette set before the rising sun; the iconic ore dock. 


In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lake Superior Life Care and Hospice, 914 West Baraga Avenue, Marquette, MI 49855. Trillium House, 1144 Northland Drive, Marquette, MI 49855 or the South Shore Fishing Association, P.O. Box 214, Marquette MI 49855. 

A celebration of Daniel’s life will be held at the Island Pavilion in Marquette on August 13, 2025 from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm.