Current Physicians at Cook Area Health Services
Dr. Harold Johnston
Began practicing on July 1, 1974, coinciding with the opening of the Ashawa Clinic. David Bachelder commenced work as a physician’s aide on the same day. Dr. Johnston resides in Cook with his wife and has two adult daughters.
Dr. Joanne K. Intvelt
Joined the Ashawa Clinic on August 1, 1990, as a physician specializing in internal medicine. Completed residency at the University of Minnesota and graduated from the Colorado College of Medicine. Before her medical practice, she worked as a registered nurse and respiratory therapist and also practiced in Mirja, India. Dr. Intvelt lives in the Linden Grove community with her four adopted children.
Historical Development of the Cook Medical Clinic
Early medical care in Cook was initially provided through physician house calls and offices in the village. In 1928, Dr. William C. Heiam established a practice at Cook General Hospital, which he owned and managed until the opening of the Cook Community Hospital in 1959. The original hospital building was later converted into apartments, which were destroyed in 2000.
The Lenont-Peterson Clinic later operated in the Brown Building, with Dr. Floyd Swenson among the attending physicians. Following Dr. Heiam’s retirement in 1969 and the closure of other local clinics, efforts were made to establish a dedicated medical clinic. Community fundraising led to constructing a new facility adjacent to the hospital.
By 1974, the Group Health Association took over clinic operations, employing medical staff. Around 1980, a dentist initiated the Group Area Health Services. The administration was handled by professionals overseeing the hospital and clinic operations, which also housed dental services.
Former Physicians in the Cook Area
- Dr. J.W. Kurz (1914–1919): Recognized as the first resident doctor in the village. Practiced despite being blind, with an office on the west end of what is now a local drugstore.
- Dr. Wilfred McKechnie (1919–1926): Served under a subscription model and was affiliated with a hospital in St. Peter, MN, by 1943.
- Dr. Royal Gray (1926–1928): Preceded Dr. Heiam in practice.
- Dr. William C. Heiam (1928–1969): Founder of the first hospital in Cook. Delivered the village’s first hospital birth in 1932. Actively engaged in community leadership and served as mayor from 1945 to 1969.
- Dr. Floyd Swenson (1959–1961): Served through the Lenont-Peterson Clinic.
- Dr. Roy Toyama (1960–1962): Operated out of the Black Building clinic.
- Dr. David Dixon (1960–1964): Practiced at the Lenont-Peterson Clinic.
- Dr. Hans Peter Bartholdt (1964–1972): Originally from Germany, he later practiced in Mora, MN, until his death in 1973.
- Dr. Masuad Farooq (1968–1971): Started practice in the former Cook General Hospital building.
- Drs. James & Morgan Hostetter (1972–?): A physician couple who served through Cook Hospital.
- Dr. Guido Schynoll (1973): First to practice in the new Northland Medical Center Clinic building. Passed away in December 1973.
- Dr. Bruce Garbisch (1977–2005): Continued as Medical Director for the nursing home and directed ambulance services.
Current and Former Dental Practitioners
Current Dental Staff
- Dr. Duane Sushoreba: Joined the dental clinic in September 1986.
- Dr. Craig Mrosak: Became part of the clinic in April 2003.
Former Dentists
- Dr. Robert Van Etta: Operated an upstairs office in one of the oldest buildings in Cook, constructed in 1904.
- Dr. Fred Gorham: Opened a part-time dental office in 1936, active on select weekdays.
- Dr. Leon Kahn (1976): Opened practice in April and passed away later that March. Father of four.
- Dr. Jack Jordan: First dentist in the current clinic building and instrumental in its development. Transitioned to work in health care administration.
- Dr. William Tuuri (1977–1983) Tragically passed away in a snowmobile accident along with his two sons. He is remembered for his contributions to the clinic during his years of service.
- Dr. Tim Sprouls (1989–1996): Served at Cook Area Health Services before relocating to Nebraska.
- Dr. Travis Shearer (1998–?): Practiced while residing in the Greaney area.
Legacy of Healthcare in the Community
Cook’s medical history is marked by resilience, community support, and ongoing service by dedicated professionals. From humble beginnings in private homes and small clinics to modern healthcare facilities, each medical practitioner and dental provider contributed to developing accessible care in the region.