Ferris State Athletics Saddened By Loss Of Longtime Supporters Ott Gingrich & Tom Cook

Big Rapids, Mich. - Ferris State University and FSU Athletics was saddened by the loss this past week of two longtime supporters in Elton "Ott" Gingrich and Tom Cook, who both passed away.

A native of Reed City, Gingrich was a charter inductee into the Bulldog Athletics Hall of Fame in 2000 and earned eight letters as a Ferris State student-athlete from 1947-51 in the sports of basketball, football and golf. He went on to be a strong benefactor and supporter of the Bulldogs until his passing last Thursday (March 16).

Meanwhile, Cook played a large role in the success of FSU Athletics during his time as a university administrator, which including serving as the Dean of the College of Education at Ferris State until his retirement in 1991. After retiring, he remained a fixture at countless Bulldog events and a strong supporter of the university. He passed away on Saturday (March 18).

"The loss of both Ott and Tom is a tremendous one for their families, Ferris State University, Bulldog Athletics and our local community," said FSU Athletics Director Perk Weisenburger. "Our thoughts go out to both the Gingrich and the Cook family members as we pause to mourn the loss of these two wonderful men who meant so much to Ferris State. Both were true Bulldogs who continued to support our teams and programs to the very end. They played key roles throughout their lives in the success of Ferris State Athletics and they both leave a lasting legacy that will impact generations of student-athletes for years to come."

Gingrich, 87, a native of Reed City, Michigan, earned 11 letters in four sports in high school and helped his basketball team reach the 1945 state finals. At Ferris State, he won eight letters in basketball, football and golf and was a member of the 1947 football team that had a 6-2 record. Gingrich later received a tryout with the Detroit Lions as a kicker.

Gingrich coached baseball, basketball, football, golf, skiing and track at various high schools and later served as principal at Caro High School for 25 years, believed to be the state's longest such tenure at the time. He sent thousands of students to his alma mater, hosted Ferris State alumni events in Caro, Arizona, California, Texas and Washington, and initiated the Silver F Awards to honor athletes after 25 years. He was a recipient of the Ferris State Distinguished Alumnus Award and received the first Alumni Distinguished Service Award.

Ott graduated from Ferris Institute in 1951 and spent his retirement years promoting Ferris State along with serving in many community organizations. He earned a master's degree in Education from Michigan State University. 

Gingrich is survived by Helen (Fairman) , his wife of 66 years, four children; Patrick (Sue) of Diamondale, Mary (Jon Donnell) of Sarasota, FL, Carrie (David Christianson) of Carmel, IN and Peter of Scottsdale, AZ, three grandchildren, Josie, Gunnar and Elton plus one great granddaughter, Lu.

A native of Negawnee, Cook earned his bachelor's degree from Northern Michigan along with his Master's and doctorate degrees from Michigan State. He served as Dean of the College of Education at Ferris, retiring in 1991. During his tenure at FSU, he also served as the Bulldogs' Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) Institutional Representative, the Dean of the Gerholdz Institute of Lifelong Learning and as an administrative consultant. He was the recipient of the Pete Peterson "Bulldog Pride" Award for his contributions to Ferris State Athletics in 1990 and played a key role in the establishment of FSU's NCAA Division I hockey program in the 1970's.

Tom, 83, is survived by Judy, his wife of 62 years; three daughters, Kerry (David) Milarch, Kelly (Matt Silvern) Cook, and Kammy (Brian) Hearld; five grandchildren, Jared (Jennifer) and Jake (Amanda) Milarch, Mica and Wyatt Cook Silvern, and Kameron Herald, plus three great-grandchildren, Tyler, Kayla and Vivienne Milarch.  Also surviving is one brother, Walter Cook, of Marquette.

A memorial gathering to celebrate each will be announced at a later date. The Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids is in charge of all arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions for Ott Gingrich can be made in support of Ferris State Athletics at this link below:

https://ebill.ferris.edu/C20079_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=3021