Audrey Ruth Niebruegge Cook

Audrey Ruth Niebruegge Cook, aged 95, of Alton, IL, passed away peacefully on June 13, 2024, surrounded by her loving family, including her grandson Derek and daughter-in-law Linda Cook. Born in St. Louis, MO, to Fred and Emilie Niebruegge (née Mertz), Audrey grew up with her sister Emilie on Conway Road, by all accounts, a happy childhood enriched by strong family bonds and Christian values during the Great Depression.

She is predeceased by her parents, husband, Vic, her sister, Emilie Bosworth, and her son, Fred Richard Cook. Audrey is survived by her children, Audrey-Lynne "Lynne" Cook, Victoria Suzanne Cook MD, and daughter-in-law Linda Camerer; her cherished grandchildren, Alycia Daniels, Jason Robin, Sarah Wulf (Jimmy), Rachelle Timmermeier (Brian), Jesse Cook (Teresa), and Derek Cook (Amanda); and her adored great-grandchildren, Sebastian, Parker, Greyson, Asher, Kayia, Cora, Lydia, Nyssa, Lucas, and Oliver.

Audrey married Virtus "Vic" Milton Cook, a charming Concordia Seminary student, on July 15, 1950, in Altheim, Missouri. Their union was deeply rooted in their shared devotion to God and the Lutheran faith, harmonizing their lives through music, as they sang together in the St. Louis Bach Choir. Audrey and Vic raised a family of three children and eventually made their home in Alton, IL, in 1968. There, they restored a historic three-story Civil War-era home at 518 Beacon Street on Christian Hill, a labor of love that would come to exemplify their many shared interests and enduring partnership.

A self-proclaimed "Homemaking Engineer," Audrey's heart was bestowed with the gift of hospitality. Not only was she a talented event planner and charming hostess, she never missed an opportunity to connect with every single person she met—every waitress, every driver, every person standing in line with her at the bank—she really wanted to know you and ask the questions that nobody else would. She was known for her meticulous attention to detail, whether in solving crossword puzzles, setting a table, or dressing impeccably for church in one of her signature beautiful hats—a practice she believed showed respect for God.

Her passion for gardening saw her starting seeds each spring on her kitchen table and battling valiantly against the deer that coveted her tomatoes. Audrey's gardens were as vibrant as her spirit, showcasing an array of beautiful flowers each season. Known for her outspoken and brutally honest nature, she often spoke her mind with words laced with love, and her honesty underscored her genuine character.

Audrey's life also reflected her commitment to the community and to her church, contributing to the Alton Area Landmarks Association, the Alton Historical Society, and the Madison County Housing Authority. Her community involvement began early, serving as a candy striper and later included roles as an election officer and a Bible study teacher.

When asked how she'd like to be remembered, in her own words—

"I would like to be remembered as a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, and as a good Christian, a good Lutheran Christian, and hey, I'm pretty creative, I'm a good cook, I'm a great seamstress. I consider myself a homemaking engineer, is what I consider myself. I can cook, I can bake, I can sew, I can decorate, I can restore, I can garden, and I can DO IT ALL." And indeed, she continued to live up to this declaration her entire life, with the sole concession being her swap from gin & tonics to Dutch chocolate ice cream.

Thank you, Audrey.

In celebration of Audrey, a visitation at 10 a.m. followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. will be held at Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey on Tuesday, July 9, 2024. Pastor Timothy Appel will officiate. Graveside services will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Trinity ELCA Church Cemetery, 14088 Clayton Road, Chesterfield, Missouri, 63017. Audrey will be laid to rest beside her beloved Vic, wearing a cherished red hat.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family.