Faun Cook Robken
Faun Cook Robken
Iowa City
On March 29, Faun Cook Robken died in Iowa City, Iowa. She was 71 years old.
Faun is survived by children: Faun Garcia (and husband Rafael Garcia), Matt Robken (and wife Marina Robken) and Clark Robken; her grandchildren: Robken Duns, Risa Duns, Sutherland Robken, Arlie Robken, Clay Robken, Coya Aron-Robken and Camila Aron-Robken; and siblings: Valisa Berg, Jacqueline Cook, and Robert Cook. She was preceded in death by her parents: Robert Sutherland Cook and Josephine Pecolatto Cook, and sister Nancy Cook.
Faun Cook was born on August 29, 1952 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. After graduating from Washington High School in 1970 she went on to attend The University of Iowa and pledged the Kappa Kappa Gamma Society. There she became one of the most dedicated Hawkeye fans to ever exist. She graduated in 1974 with a bachelor’s degree in “Fun and Games” (according to her). She used her degree to land a position at the VA Hospital as an Activities Coordinator. Where, according to her mother, she learned to swear like a sailor.
Faun Cook married Jon Robken in 1974. They met in junior high school and although their marriage didn’t last they welcomed Faun(ie) in 1976 and Matt in 1978 and Clark in 1981. Faun was an avid sports fan since she was little. As a natural athlete she participated in the few sports available to women in her time. She excelled at swimming and won many medals on the swim team. In college she played flag football and scored a touchdown in Kinnick Stadium. In later years she played on adult sports leagues including volleyball, bowling and softball. She traveled extensively to fanatically support NCAA Wrestling, The US Open, and The Olympics. Faun dedicated her life to raising her children and their friends. She coached soccer, took family trips, and was at every event in her children’s lives. In the evenings she did needlepoint and her art has graced the homes of many as Christmas gifts, wedding keepsakes and children’s births. Her reading library was extensive and her love of movies and the arts was apparent in her unique style and home decor. Travel was a Cook Family passion which Faun fully embraced by visiting 49 of the 50 states and multiple countries. When at home her door was always open to those she loved. For a few years she opened her home and extended her motherly love to Michael Cooper and Mary Eileen Zubroski. Faun was continually available to her family and friends as a listening ear or a warm embrace. She asked difficult questions, encouraged honesty and life experiences. Her quick wit, infectious laugh, and enduring love will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
A Celebration of Life for Faun Cook Robken is scheduled for July 20, 2024 at 11 a.m. The service will be held at the Terry Trueblood Recreational Area in Iowa City, Iowa, where Faun spent many hours with loved ones enjoying the lake and park. Continue the tradition and stay afterwards for lunch and to enjoy the facilities and time with Faun’s family and friends. In honor of Faun’s legacy donations are being graciously accepted in her name at:
The Emma Goldman Clinic at emmagoldmanclinic.com
National Public Radio (NPR)/Iowa Public Radio (IPR) at npr.org
Table to Table at table2table.org