Evelyn Berniece (Cookus) Hessheimer, 91, of Crete, Nebraska, passed away peacefully on July, 10, 2026.

Born on April 12, 1935, in Crete, Nebraska, Evelyn was the daughter of Raymond and Bernice Cookus. She will be remembered with deep love as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and cherished friend whose gentle presence touched many lives.

Raised in Crete, Evelyn graduated from Crete High School in 1953, where she was affectionately known as “Cookie.” That same year, on June 6, she married Donald Hessheimer in Kramer, Nebraska. Together they built a life centered on love and family and were blessed with two children, Judith Lyn and Timothy Donald.

From a young age, Evelyn was hardworking and dependable. As a teenager, she babysat, cleaned homes, and waitressed at the Tiger Inn at Doane College. Over the years, she also served as a librarian at the former Crete Public Library, worked as a nurse’s aide at the former Crete Hospital, and spent many years at the Crete Dairy Queen before retiring. Although she devoted herself to these jobs, her greatest fulfillment came from caring for her home and family.

Simple joys brought Evelyn great happiness. She loved watching birds and squirrels, tending flowers and plants, and smiling at the fact that her daughter did not inherit her green thumb. She enjoyed card games, especially 10-Point Pitch, as well as puzzle books, sewing, embroidery, and baking family favorites such as apple goodie and peach pie.

Many happy hours were spent beside her husband watching professional wrestling, cheering on her beloved Chicago Cubs, following crime and forensic dramas, and enjoying classic Westerns that reminded her of the movies she watched as a child at the Isis Theater. She also treasured time spent with family at tractor shows.

Music was another lasting love in Evelyn’s life. Her record collection reflected a wide range of tastes, and there was almost always a song playing in her home. It meant a great deal to her to see that love of music continue in her daughter’s home.

Above all, however, Evelyn was a passionate reader. Her curiosity and love of learning never faded. She delighted in visiting the library, bringing home armfuls of books, and often reading more than one at a time. Sharing that love of reading with her daughter was one of her quiet joys, and she especially cherished reading to her great-grandsons.

Kindness, warmth, and a tender spirit defined Evelyn’s life. To know her was to be blessed by her grace. Those left to treasure her memory include her daughter, Judith (Brian) Sharp of Crete; her son, Timothy (LeAnna) Hessheimer of Dorchester; grandsons Joshua (Cally) Sharp and Tim (Hannah) Hessheimer Jr.; great-grandsons Peyton, Presley, and Price Sharp, and Taiden Hessheimer; sisters Ruth Drevo and Sharon (the late Ron) Spence; and many dear nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 64 years, Donald Hessheimer, in 2017; her parents, Raymond and Bernice Cookus; her siblings Eugene (Anna) Cookus, Harold (Helen) Cookus, Marjorie Self, Maxine (Gus) Riner, and Joyce Taylor; brothers-in-law Ervin Hessheimer, Elmer Hessheimer, Maynard Hessheimer, Robert (Dorothy) Hessheimer; sister-in-law Myrtha (George) Wolverton; and two nieces and one nephew.

Honoring Evelyn’s wishes, no funeral service will be held. Her family asks that those who knew and loved her remember the joy, kindness, and quiet grace she shared throughout her life. A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, followed by the burial of her cremated remains beside her beloved husband, Donald, at Kramer Community Cemetery in Kramer, Nebraska.

“Mom’s love lives on in every story shared, every book read, every flower tended, and every act of kindness given in her memory.”

-Her daughter, Judy Sharp