Joseph Lambert Cool was born on April 5, 1941, the sixth of ten children born to Michael and Alice (Lambert) Cool in the old Anna Maria Hospital. He was baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church. He grew up in Marshall and graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1959.
From the age of nine through high school, Joe worked at the Coke plant which was right across the street from his home. He began as a bottle washer and eventually became a route driver in the tri-county area. In 1964, Joe enlisted in the army and served for two years. Upon leaving the army, he began his clothing career working for Ed Marcotte at Ed’s Toggery.
Joe was united in marriage to Doris Anderson from Cottonwood on June 20, 1970, at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Marshall. In 1971, Joe bought the building where his grandfather, Old Joe Cool, had operated Cool’s Tavern, and transformed it into Mister Cool’s Clothing. Joe loved his job and his customers. His outgoing, friendly personality, along with his clothing sense resulted in a very successful career for 43 years. His son, Brad, took over the business in 2012.
Joe was Marshall’s number one booster for years serving on numerous downtown and city projects. He served as Chamber President from 1993 – 1994. In 1990, Joe received the Walton Business Leadership award which honored his commitment to customer service and concern for the community. He served on the Marshall Hospital Board of Directors and was a longtime Rotarian. Joe was also Vice President of Northwest Buyers, a menswear buying group headquartered in Minneapolis and consisting of over 300 retailers from the Midwest.
Joe encouraged his sons in scouting and was Cub master for several years. He was committed to Marshall Youth and was a big booster of Marshall High School athletics. In 2007, he was inducted into the Pride in the Tiger foundation honoring his civic leadership and educational support.
Joe was a wonderful husband and kind, supportive father to his two sons; Brad and Joe. He enjoyed golfing, biking, cars, cards, especially “Buck,†dancing, working at Mister Cool’s, and being with his nine siblings and many nieces and nephews.
Joe died on Monday, March 26, 2018, at the Prairie Home Hospice Lockwood House in Marshall after a lengthy and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He is survived by his wife, Doris, of Marshall, son Brad Cool of Marshall and son Joe (and Kelly) Cool of Minneapolis, grandchildren Joey and Andi, brother Bob (and Trixie) Cool and sisters Jean Cool, Nancy Lewis, Colleen Macheledt and Mary (and Mike) Gade, many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Ron, Dennis, Lawrence and John and brothers-in-law Jim Lewis and Ron Macheledt.
In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Prairie Home Hospice of Marshall.
