My deepest condolences to the whole Cosgrove family. He always welcomed Lauren’s friends with open arms at Iowa State tailgating and football games. A wonderful man who made an amazing family. Hugs to all!
Jayme Nielsen
January 26, 2021
P.J,
Thoughts and prayers to you and your family . I remember my dad loved working for your dad.. I also had the pleasure of working as an intern for three summers and Jack would make time to walk around and say hi to everyone . What a wonderful man.
Sincerely ,
Ron and Shelley Seifried
Ron Seifried
January 26, 2021
Cosgrove family:
My deepest condolences. I always remember Jack with a smile on his face caring for others. His impact on people was contagious. What a wonderful man who made this world a better place because of him! God bless!
Chris jennings
January 26, 2021
Jack was the best executive I had the privilege of working for in my 40+ year work career. He was a true leader. God bless him and his family
Frank Usher
January 27, 2021
To the Cosgrove Family: My deepest sympathy to you at this time. Jack was a pleasure to work for and with. Always had a wonderful smile and greeting. It was an honor to just know him. God bless
Tonya Sotelo
January 27, 2021
Mr. Cosgrove always treated me great , even at times when I might not have deserved it. ??
He always remembered people’s first names and was a humble , great leader of people.
My thoughts and prayers to Mrs Cosgrove , Kelly and your entire family.
“ Fame is a vapor; popularity an accident; riches take wings, Only One thing endures and that is character. (H. Greeley )
John Gavin, JR.
January 27, 2021
Jack was a great friend and many of us feel a great loss, but are grateful for being able to have shared in his life. He was always gracious and willing to help all. Thanks, Jack.
Joe Culp
January 27, 2021
Mr. Cosgrove was the finest gentleman I had the pleasure to know. He's left a great legacy, and many fond memories for all that knew him. My sincere condolences to his family. Rod Bartlett
Rodney Bartlett
January 27, 2021
Dear Dilla, so sorry to learn of the loss of your loving husband. My condolences to you and your family.
Gay Holstine
January 27, 2021
My sympathy to the entire Cosgrove family. The community, too, will miss his wisdom and gentle nature. Mr. Cosgrove could easily have been the poster man for corporate management and, perhaps more importantly, a leader who had the gift of making others feel welcome.
Dale Kueter
January 27, 2021
Cosgrove Family: Our deepest sympathy goes to all of you. Jack was just a friendly and personable man. We got to know Jack and Dilla when we first joined All Saints. They made a recently married couple feel at home. We got to know the rest of the family as they grew up. Still hoping to get together for THAT margarita. :-). Jack always had a smile on his face when we saw him. He was a great man and will be truly missed. God bless.
Cindy and Dave Glynn
January 27, 2021
This world lost a hero. Mr Cosgrove was an amazing man. His sincere caring about his employees really made an impact on my life. Thank you Mr Cosgrove for being a beacon of positivity and light. You will be greatly missed. RIP sir.
Linda White
January 27, 2021
My sympathies and prayers to you Jill and the entire family. Rest in the comforting arms of Jesus Mr. Cosgrove, sleep and take your rest, you fought a good fight, you finished the race and remained faithful. So sorry for your loss...
Maxine Jones
January 27, 2021
To Dilla, Kelly and the Cosgrove Family,
I wish to Express my personal condolences at the loss of your husband, father and grandfather. My father Edward started with Arthur Collins and worked with Jack at Collin Radio for a long time until his sudden death in 1985. Jack was there extending a hand to our family to help us through that time and I never forgot that. He was a genuine man who wanted to be known for doing things right even if it ran in the face of others. I am thankful for that. Please remember the good times and the guidance that he stood for.
JC O'Brien R77
JC O'Brien
January 27, 2021
We were able to get to know Jack and Dilla through our church and he always had a smile for us.
I had the privilege of helping them on some projects in their house, and I loved working with them. Rest in peace Jack!
Tom and Mary Takes
January 27, 2021
My deep condolences to the Cosgrove family on your loss. I have great respect for Mr. Cosgrove who contributed so much to Collins. A sign of great leadership is the ability to meet every person where s/he is at. My favorite encounter with Mr. Cosgrove was during the time when he was company president. The FAA manufacturing inspector assigned to Rockwell Collins at the time had a larger-than-life personality. The FAA inspector and I were walking down the main hallway when Mr. Cosgrove came into view. The FAA inspector strode up to Mr. Cosgrove, yanked on his tie, and practically shouted, "how's it goin', big guy?" Mortified, I thought that was going to be the end of my career, but Mr. Cosgrove took it in stride, grinned widely, and shook the FAA inspector's hand, and said, "Joe! How good to see you!" That made such an impression on this young employee. Instead of being irritated or flustered, Mr. Cosgrove accepted the FAA inspector for who he was, and showed him respect, even calling him by name. I learned quite a lesson in leadership from Mr. Cosgrove that day. I will always remember him.
Elizabeth Maxey Ray
January 27, 2021
My deepest condolences to the Cosgrove family on the loss of a great man. I went to school with Tracy and only met Jack a few times but his kind manner made you feel welcome when you were around him. He raised a great group of kids to continue his legacy until everyone meets again in the pearly gates some day. Best regards to you all.
Cindy Frese
January 27, 2021
Joan and I send our deepest sympathy and condolences to Dilla and the Cosgrove family. Jack had an exceptional career with Collins and Rockwell and was a great leader and major contributor to the many successes achieved in every part of the business that he lead. He was a special person and friend.
Don Beall and Joan Beall
January 27, 2021
Dilla and family, Debbie and I were so saddened to hear of Jack’s death and want to extend our deepest sympathies to all of you. You are in our prayers during this difficult time. Jack was a colleague, boss, mentor, and friend to me that always set the example I tried to follow, in business and in life. No one loved Collins more than Jack. It was in his gene pool. And no one connected better to every employee at every level. But it was clear that the North Star of his life was his family. He wore it on his sleeve and shared that love every chance he got to help make sure all of us also kept things in perspective. Long after people forget what we did at work, they will remember his kindness, his laugh, his dedication to Collins, and his extraordinary love for his family. What greater legacy could any of us hope to leave?
Clay Jones
January 27, 2021
When I was a security guard for Rockwell Collins, before getting hired on, I stopped this man because he was not wearing a badge. My co-worker Mr. SCHMIDT thought the situation was hilarious as at the time there was a few people who did not need to wear a badge in the plant. He was one of them. Mr. Cosgrove never forgot who I was, even outside the walls of the factory. He did thank me for doing my job. But needless to say I didn't forget who this man was after my debut. May you rest in peace Jack and be giggling with Mr. Schmidt.
Ann-Marie French
January 27, 2021
Dilla & family. Our deepest sympathy to you. Merrill always enjoyed working for and with Jack. What a gracious man who always greeted us with his smile and warmth. He will be sorely missed by not only your family but his dedication to various organizations in the community. Go Cyclones!!!!! God bless.
Merrill & Maxine Sivill
January 27, 2021
Dilla and your family,
I was shocked to learn about Jack's death. Jack has always been larger than life-playing such an important role in our community and elsewhere. You and Jack set a wonderful example of how to give back to your community. Jack's memory, and the legacy he leaves with you and so many of us, will endure. All my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Brad
Brad Hart
January 28, 2021
Tracey,
We were so sorry to read of your dad's passing. We remember you fondly from gymnastics. Our prayers go out to you and your family as you grieve such a great loss. Love, Russ and Kathy
Russ and Kathy Telecky
January 28, 2021
I WORKED IN THE FACTORY FOR 40 YEARS. LIKE MOST, I WOULD SEE JACK OUT AND ABOUT. HE ALWAYS SEEMED RELAXED AND THAT SMILE. WOW!!!
IT WASN'T UNTIL HE BECAME A CUSTOMER AT CHICK-FIL-A, THAT I TRULY GOT TO KNOW HIM. I SAW HIM AT OTHER REGISTERS AND I THOUGHT HE LOOKED FAMILIAR, BUT I DID NOT KNOW HIS NAME. ONE DAY HE CAME TO MINE. WHEN I ASKED HIS NAME, HE SAID JACK. I WENT FOR IT AND SAID "AS IN JACK COSGROVE" AND HE SAID YES. I TOLD HIM I USED TO WORK THERE AND THAT MY DAUGHTER WAS IN THE OFFICE NOW. FROM THEN ON, HE ALWAYS CAME TO ME WITH A GREAT SMILE AND A FIRM HANDSHAKE. IT WAS AWESOME. I HAVE NOT SEEN HIM SINCE OUR DINING ROOM CLOSED LAST MARCH. HE ALWAYS ORDERED THE SAME THING. SOME DAYS MORE. I ASKED IF HE WAS HAVING A PARTY AND HE WOULD SAY "NOPE THE GRANDKIDS ARE COMING OVER". WE ALL LOST A GREAT MAN. I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.
KAREN M WILLIAMS
January 28, 2021
Dilla and family—-
So very sorry to hear of your loss of Jack. Jack was a good man and very kind neighbor. One special memory is Jack driving his golf cart full of grandkids around our neighborhood and stopping to visit —- pure joy to see his happiness.
Hold your good memories close to your hearts—- prayers for you—- God bless.
Carol Olson
Carol Olson
January 28, 2021
Difficult to imagine that our Friend and Mentor has flown off to Heaven.
His demeanor, wisdom, intelligence, and wit will not be forgotten along with the "fun" times we shared. And then there were the stories!
It was a blessing knowing him. Peace to Dilla and Family.
Fred Pilcher
January 28, 2021
Jack was a great boss, leader, and mentor to me. We always had a good time no matter what the challenge. I have many fond memories and we wish Dilla and PJ and family the best in this time.
Jim and Lynda Garrett
Jim and Lynda Garrett
January 28, 2021
My heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the Cosgrove family. I had the good fortune to work with Jack for many years at Collins, where he was not only a great, caring leader, but an inspiration to so many. Words cannot convey his extraordinary ability to connect with people. Shortly after I joined Collins, I brought my ten-year-old son to a "Bring your child to work" event. I had the honor of introducing my son to Jack that day, and was amazed at how welcoming Jack was to the child of an employee. The next year, I brought my son back for the same event and just happened to see Jack coming down the hallway. To my surprise, Jack stopped, called my son by his first name, shook his hand and engaged in a conversation for several minutes as if they were old friends! Well beyond being remembered as a great business leader, Jack leaves a legacy of human kindness, warmth, and goodness that I will never forget.
Larry Riley
January 28, 2021
Dear Dilla and family, Sallie and I just learned today about Jack. We have just finished reading all the condolences that were written with such a huge amount of love for Jack. It came through loud and clear the huge impact that Jack made on everyone that knew him. Jack and I shared the same birthday. I remember him calling me on "our" Birthday long after we both retired. All that has said about Jack is really true, and we loved him also. What a wonderful man. Sallie and I send our love and sympathy to Dilla and family.
Sallie and Don Davis
January 28, 2021
Jill I was sorry to hear about your Dads passing. I have found memories from our high school years being around him and your family. I worked 34 years at Collins and he always said hi when I passed him in the hall. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. My Dad always spoke very highly of him. Collins is what it is because of his leadership and caring for all who worked there.
Nancy Goldsberry Goebel
January 28, 2021
Jack was a caring man and molded collins into the greatness it is. I had the pleasure of sitting with him for an awards dinner. He put everyone at ease and had us laughing about deer problems. I also had a few laughs with Tracey on business trips. Condolences to the Cosgrove family.
Judy Roedema
January 28, 2021
After 34 years at Rockwell, I can truly say that he was the best of the best of management. He was so greatly admired and respected by all. I remember running into Jack at Drugtown in my softball uniform. He stopped to say hi and how did the game go. After that I would see him occasionally at work or in Hy-Vee and he would again stop and say hi and ask how the softball games were going. He was the just such a nice person and so loved. Condolences to the Cosgrove family. He will be greatly missed.
Karen Campbell
January 28, 2021
My deepest sympathy to Jack’s family. I worked with him for many years. He was a great leader, but he was so much more than that - kind, caring, interested, and engaged with all employees. Even years after he retired when he’d come into RC or we’d meet in a store, there were always hugs and he always wanted to know about my family never forgetting my kids names. He will always hold a special place in my heart. My prayers are with you.
Marcia Stolte
January 28, 2021
My sincere sympathies to Dilla and the family. Jack was a great engineer, a proven leader, a loving father and husband, an outstanding contributor to his company and to his country, a true gentleman and a friend--a rare combination of so many professional and humane talents . He will be sorely missed by so many, especially Dilla and the young people of his family. Farewell old friend -- May God be with you, and you with Him
Bob Cattoi
January 28, 2021
My deepest sympathy and prayers to the Cosgrove family. I worked at Rockwell-Collins for 25 years and Jack was the very best leader and most sincere and appreciative President. He knew every employee and would search out their input, suggestions and opinions. He respected everyone that worked for him and he was very well respected by all. His passion for the business, products and services that Rockwell-Collins provided are shown in his legacy. His accomplishments and contributions to the employees and the company are what made Rockwell-Collins and are visible in what a great company it has been. He will be greatly missed.
Susan Hobbs
January 28, 2021
Dilla and the Cosgrove family. Sorry to hear about Jack, he was an inspiration to everyone at Collins. It's hard to find the right words of comfort. I only hope that knowing others care is of some comfort to you in your loss. May God bless the Cosgrove family.
TOM MURPHY
January 28, 2021
Dilla and Family,
Sorry to hear of Jacks passing. Will miss seeing him at all the Iowa State events. May your FAITH provide you with both Peace and Comfort. Cherish the wonderful memories. Our Deepest Sympathy and God Bless You.
Jan & Gary Thompson
January 28, 2021
Mrs. Cosgrove and Family: i was very shocked and saddened to hear of Jack’s death! He was a giant of a man in so many ways and so well respected and well known in the community! I didn’t see him all that often but he always made me feel like we were good friends and happy to see me. He was special in that way and in so many other ways! I feel privileged to have known him.
John Wollner
January 28, 2021
Jill I was sorry to hear about your Dads passing. I have found memories from our high school years being around him and your family. I worked 34 years at Collins and he always said hi when I passed him in the hall. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. My Dad always spoke very highly of him. Collins is what it is because of his leadership and caring for all who worked there.
Nancy Goldsberry Goebel
January 28, 2021
My heartfelt condolences to the family of Jack Cosgrove. He was a very special man who will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. He was a very warm and caring person who always went out of his way to make everyone feel special. When he would come out to the floor, he would greet everyone by name and have a kind word and smile ready for them. He was truly one of a kind and will be truly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this sad time. Terri Beasmore
Terri Beasmore
January 28, 2021
Dear Dilla and family......Lynn and I were distressed to hear of Jack's passing and share many of the thoughts and inputs so well stated in other memorial statements. His leadership contributions to many organizations, from his beloved Iowa State to Collins/Rockwell and numerous civic and philanthropic entities, paled in comparison to his love for his family and friends. He was truly one of greatest examples of how to conduct yourself as a moral and dedicated gentleman that many of us could only hope to emulate. We are confident that while you grieve you can also celebrate Jack's many contributions to all of us and his absolute joy in living a good life. Our thoughts and prayers will be with the family as you celebrate his life. Gerry & Lynn Widen
Gerry & Lynn Widen
January 28, 2021
Our sincere condolences to Dilla and family. Jack was a true, humble leader - at Collins, in the community and at church. Always had a friendly smile and a "hello" whenever we would see him. He will truly be missed not only by his family but also by the rest of us who had the good fortune to have known him over the past years. Rest in peace, Jack, and may God grant peace and consolation to your family.
Laura & Jack Staudacher
January 28, 2021
My condolences to Jack's family. My father (Logan "Mike" Brega) worked with him at Collins/Rockwell for many years, and always enjoyed his company and respected his work. They're probably enjoying reminiscing over cocktails right now, up on the next plane of existence.
Judith Brega McMahon
January 28, 2021
My condolences Dilla to you and your beautiful family. Jack's loss is a big one. He was simply the best.
Paula Richter
January 29, 2021
Jack will be remembered for his leadership legacy, particularly the talent he mentored, his personal warmth for his employees and his community and academic support.
He truly was heart of Collins culture and the reason so many of us stayed with Collins for 30+ years of service.
He will live in our memories.
We wish heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the Cosgrove family.
Kevin Weiss
January 29, 2021
My sincere thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Cosgrove family. I got to know Jack well serving on the united Way board of Trustee's as well as our paths cross many times when out and about. Jack was always pleasant, easy to engage a conversation and always with a smile. I admired his legacy he left with Collins and all the employee's and will miss him on the board. Blessings to the family and may he now rest in peace.
Frank Kintzle
Frank Kintzle
January 29, 2021
We feel your loss and ours as Jack was the best leader for both of us working 30 years at Collins Radio to Rockwell Collins started in 1973. Jack was the best leader we ever worked for!! He clearly is a man of family, faith, and commitment with all his strength to his leadership to be best!! He was our hero and mentor and for all of his employees and leadership!! We love him and and his family. God Bless you all and God Bless America. Terri Jo & Larry Erickson
Larry and Terri Jo Erickson
January 29, 2021
What a great man and such a proud legacy to leave this world. He touched so many people through his work. In a world that can get consumed with titles and egos -- Jack always got it right. He cared deeply for others and never was too busy to connect on a personal level. Because of this, his legacy lives on. He was one the first examples I had of leadership and I will forever be shaped by his model. My condolences to his family and my gratitude for having the opportunity to know him.
Dorene MacVey
January 29, 2021
Cosgrove Family,
I found out that Jack passed away via text. I was a part of 2 different group texts, one with brothers and sisters, another with childhood friends. Within minutes, the same words popped up from both groups; great man, patient, wonderful man, true gem of a guy, he was a saint, such a kind person, sweet, funny. Shared memories from both groups; so patient when teaching me to water ski, rescued us when we steered their snowmobile into a fence in the pasture, so fun to go over and feed the animals, horseback riding, taking us skiing in Dubuque, watching him pop popcorn in their fireplace, picking up grandchildren after school, funny exchanges while Eucharistic Ministers together.
He brought joy to so many of us who just happened to be along for the ride or bumped into him at church, school or the store. God bless Mr. Cosgrove. He will be deeply missed.
Mary Gehris (Schulte)
January 29, 2021
We are so saddened by the passing of Jack. We were blessed to meet Jack, Dilla and the extended Cosgrove family at the recent wedding of his granddaughter Lauren and our son Andy. Jack was a kind, caring and loving gentleman, which was clearly evident in our conversations with him. He was so proud of his family, and generously shared stories of happy events and gatherings. Our hearts go out to all of you during this sad time. We pray that your memories will comfort you in your grief.
Ron and Terry Meiszberg
January 29, 2021
My deepest condolences to the Cosgrove family. Even though I worked at Rockwell Collins, I really knew Jack through Tracey. He was so well respected and known for his amazing approach to leadership. My thoughts and prayers are with the Cosgrove family at this difficult time.
Michelle Hart
January 29, 2021
I was lucky enough to meet Uncle Jack a couple of times. Theresa Benson took me to meet her favorite Uncle for the first time while he was tailgating at his beloved ISU Football games. He was genuine and kind from the outset. I understood immediately why Theresa grew up with a deep love for her Uncle. She has regaled me with so many stories about visiting Uncle Jack and Aunt Dilla and all the Cosgrove family for holidays. He is the reason she went to ISU and became an Electrical Engineer...She wanted to be just like Uncle Jack. I am sorry I didn't get to spend more time with the man who was so admired and loved by his family, community and friends. He will be truly missed.
Joel Geller
January 30, 2021
May God bless Jack, Dilla and their family.
Ronald Patrick Cosgrove
January 30, 2021
I met Jack on his first day at Collins when he was assigned to me as a summer intern from ISU. . We immediately became friends for life. He sat at the wedding reception with me and my family at All Saints when my niece that was a member married there. He was a one of a kind guy that will be missed by all that knew him. My sincere sympathy is extended to Jack's family and know that Jack is with Jesus in heaven and resting in peace .
God Bless, Jim B.
Jim Biederman
January 30, 2021
Dear Dilla,
Jeannine and I were shocked and saddened by the news of Jack's sudden passing. As we think back over the 63 years we've known you and Jack, we have many friendship and professional memories. Jack was one of the outstanding leaders at Collins and Rockwell, substantially contributing to their success. We are very proud of his many accomplishments. Those memories also include Jack's kindness to Jeannine's French parents in 1966, and when Jeannine became a US citizen. Our two families seemed to grow at the same rate over the years. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family during this difficult time. We watched, with emotion, the service at All Saints this morning. Jack will be greatly missed. May Our Lord bless and comfort you and your family.
Loney and Jeannine Duncan
January 30, 2021
Jill and family, I was saddened to learn of the loss of your great father, a true man of character. I remember his strong presence from our days at All Saints. He loved his family, the Cedar Rapids community and he truly made a difference in many peoples' lives. May you find peace and comfort during these sad times.
Marie E Taylor Tarr
January 31, 2021
When we hear someone say "great Cyclone fan" we immediately think of Jack. He was one in the best sense, win or lose. We feel blessed to have known him and shared time with him and Dilla. Our deepest sympathies.
Mike & Kathy Deupree
January 31, 2021
Having grown up with Jack thru McKinley,ISU,And Collins I have lost a good and dear friend. I pray our risen Lord grant him a place of brightness ,verdure and repose!May hi memory be eternal!
Edmund Abodeely
January 31, 2021
Jack was a wonderful, wonderful man. I am so very blessed to have known him. God bless Jack and his family
Keith smith
February 1, 2021
I wish to express my deepest sympathy to the Cosgrove family. I enjoyed the years working under Mr Cosgrove. He always put his employees first and for that I'm very thankful and he earned my respect. I had the pleasure of flying in the company jet with Mr Cosgrove many years ago and he was so nice, down to earth and encouraging.
Anthony L Bejarno
February 4, 2021
I wish to express my deepest sympathy to the Cosgrove family. I enjoyed the years working under Mr Cosgrove. He always put his employees first and for that I'm very thankful and he earned my respect. I had the pleasure of flying in the company jet with Mr Cosgrove many years ago and he was so nice, down to earth and encouraging.
Anthony L Bejarno
February 4, 2021
Dear Tracey and Chris and family: I was sorry to read of Jack’s death. What a loss. Jack was one of the finest people I met in my life. I’d kid him that GE had Jack Welch but Rockwell Collins had Jack Cosgrove! Describing him as a “legend” does not do him justice. My sincere condolences and gratitude for the privilege of knowing him and you. Bill Stone
Wilford Stone
February 6, 2021