Gabriel K Cook

Gabriel K. “Toast” Cook (February 6, 1989 – March 8, 2021) of Marquette Heights, Illinois, is remembered for the quiet, familiar presence he brought to family life. Born in Peoria to Randall K. and Kimberly L. (Burns) Cook, Gabe was cherished by his relatives and friends. He carried a nickname that suggests the small, everyday moments loved ones often recall with affection. Gabe was part of a close family circle; he was preceded in death by a brother, Alex Burns, and his grandparents, and his survivors include parents and extended family who continue to celebrate his life.

Those who knew Gabe recall a life rooted in home and community in the Peoria area. Though public records and the funeral notice keep private many personal details, the facts that are shared — his birthplace, his family connections, and the name by which friends called him — point to a young man who mattered to those around him. The memorial notice lists family as central to his identity, and that family’s sorrow and love are evident in how they honored him.

Gabe’s life, as remembered by family and the community, is not defined by the circumstances of his passing but by the relationships and memories he left behind. He is held in the thoughts of parents, relatives, and friends who remember him with the small gestures and nicknames of everyday affection. May his memory remain a comfort to those who loved him and a reminder of the ordinary, human ties that endure.