Gayle Cook

Gayle Cook (née Karch, March 1, 1934 – August 17, 2025) was an American businesswoman who in 1963 co-founded the Cook Group, a medical equipment manufacturing company, with her husband William Cook. In 2014, her net worth was estimated at US$5.8 billion.

Early life and education Gayle Karch was born on March 1, 1934, in Evansville, Indiana, the daughter of Arthur and Thelma Karch. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Indiana University Bloomington in 1956 with a bachelor's degree in fine arts.

Career In 1963, she and her husband William Cook co-founded the Cook Group, a medical equipment manufacturer. , she still served on the company's board of directors. Their son, Carl Cook, succeeded William as CEO upon the latter's death. She also has a granddaughter.

Cook died on August 17, 2025, at the age of 91.