Evelyn Berniece (Cookus) Hessheimer, 91, of Crete, passed away peacefully July, 10, 2026.
Born on April 12, 1935, in Crete, 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. Together, they built a life centered on love and family and were blessed with two children, Judith Lyn and Timothy Donald.
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.
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.
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.; Katline Lawver and Karmen Tomek; great-grandsons, Peyton, Presley, and grandaughters, Price Sharp, and Taiden Hessheimer; step-grandchildren, Brock, Tucker and Alaina Tomek and Knox Lawver-Smith; 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; 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 conducted. 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 at a later date, followed by the burial of her cremated remains beside her beloved husband, Donald, at Kramer Community Cemetery.
