In Loving Memory of William Alexander Cox, it is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. William Alexander Cox, fondly known as Alex, who was born into eternal life on October 12, 2026.
Born on March 19, 1929, in the serene town of Raton, New Mexico, Alex lived a life full of purpose, dedication, and kindness that touched the hearts of many. Alex was the cherished son of the late William Wilton and Margaret Mckenzie Storrie Cox.
Growing up in Raton, he graduated from Raton High School in 1947 and began his journey in the automobile industry to support his family. Having worked at the local Chevrolet dealership in Raton since he was 12 years old, Alex headed for Flint Michigan and earned a degree from the General Motors Institute of Technology in 1951. His path to manage and ultimately own a General Motors dealership took a significant turn when he proudly served his country in the US Army from 1951 to 1953 during the Korean War.
Returning home from the service in late 1953 he sold a car to a young lady named Julia Colleen Messick. In 1954 Colleen and Alex were married. However, inspired by his mother’s two brothers who had become chiropractors years before, his true calling emerged when he changed careers in 1961 and embraced a career in chiropractic. Alex graduated as the valedictorian of his class from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1964.
Dr. Alex's professional journey was marked by dedication and excellence. After a brief tenure of private practice in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, Dr. Alex was invited by the esteemed Dr. Clarence Gonstead to join the Gonstead Clinic of Chiropractic staff in Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin. In 1974, Alex and his brother Doug took ownership from Dr. Gonstead of the Clinic, Inc., the Karakahl Inn, Inc., and the Gonstead Seminar, Inc.
During his career at the clinic, Dr. Alex provided exceptional care for his patients. His reputation became legendary throughout the chiropractic profession as he devoted over 55 years to teaching the intricacies of the Gonstead system to the profession he loved and influenced countless doctors and students worldwide. Dr. Alex was an avid Green Bay Packer fan even before he moved to Wisconsin. In 1967 a Packer and future Hall of Famer named Henry Jordan was referred to Dr. Alex. Henry then referred many of his teammates to Dr. Alex and other Packer greats like Bart Starr, Ray Nitschke, Willy Wood, Jerry Kramer, Jim Weatherwax just to name a few, became regular patients. Before the days when pro football teams had team chiropractors, after every Green Bay home game, Dr. Alex and family would leave the game, go to Henry Jordan’s residence in Green Bay, and 20 to 30 players would stop by for post-game refreshments and wait their turn to see Dr. Alex. As a result, Dr. Alex became season ticket holder and dear friends of the Jordan family. When his Sundays were not occupied with going to Green Bay, Dr. Alex loved to take day trips in the car with the family, some local and some two to three hours away. In the summer months, if not going for a car ride, he found great joy, relaxation and self-satisfaction in sitting on his John Deere mower and spending several hours mowing his four-acre lawn to perfection.
Alex was predeceased by his beloved wife of 42 years, Julia Colleen Cox. He is survived by his son William John (Patti) Cox, and his daughter Alexis Ann Cox. His legacy lives on through his grandchildren Tricia Lynn (Eric) Rector and Jonathan Storrie (Katie) Cox, Lexa Colleen Miller and Cassondra Jordanne Miller, and his great-grandchildren Justin Wade and Luke William Rector, Cohen Alexander and Collins Mary Cox, Aleigah Ann and Levi Allen Buening. Alex is also survived by his dear brother Douglas and wife Sherill, his sister Margaret Jean Evans, and his close friend and companion for the last 30 years, Carol Miller.
A man of deep wisdom and vast compassion, Dr. Alex's legacy will forever remain in the hearts of those he touched. As he rests peacefully, we remember him not only for his professional achievements but for the love and friendship he bestowed upon us all.
In lieu of flowers, the family of William Alexander Cox welcomes donations to a charity, nonprofit, church, or organization of your choosing.
Tax-deductible · Secure checkout by Pledge · Receipt emailed to you
Service Program
Service Details
Evangelical Lutheran Church
315 East Main St.
Mt. Horeb, WI
October 24, 2026
Evangelical Lutheran Church, Mt. Horeb, WI
WelcomePastor Karen Hofstad
Words of ConsolationPastor Karen Hofstad
Greeting & Opening PrayerPastor Karen Hofstad
Congregational Hymn"What a Friend we have in Jesus"
EulogyJohn Cox, Amy Harter, William Droessler
Scripture Reading Psalm 23Tricia Rector
Pastoral ReflectionPastor Karen Hofstad
Hymn Amy KellesvigAmazing Grace
Prayers & Lord's PrayerPastor Karen Hofstad
Congregational Hymn"How Great Thou Art"
CommendationPastor Karen Hofstad
BlessingPastor Karen Hofstad
Recessional
Scottish Blessing
May the heavens open to welcome you,
May the winds of peace carry you home.
Rest now, your work is done,
Your journey's end has come.
Until we meet again,
May God hold you in everlasting peace.
For Good
...I've heard it said
That people come into our lives
for a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led
To those who help us most to grow
If we let them
And we help them in return
Well, I don't know if I believe
that's true
But I know I'm who I am today
Because I knew you
...Like a comet pulled from orbit
As it passes the sun
Like a stream that meets a boulder
Halfway through the wood
Who can say if I've been
changed for the better? But
Because I knew you
I have been changed for good
...It well may be,
that we will never meet again
in this lifetime
So let me say before we part
So much of me
Is made of what I learned from you
You'll be with me
like a handprint on my heart
And now whatever way our
stories end
I know you have re-written mine
By being my friend
Like a ship blown from its mooring
by a wind off the sea
Like a seed dropped by a sky bird
in a distant wood
Who can say if I've been
changed for the better? But
Because I knew you
Because I knew you
I have been changed
FOR GOOD