Evelyn J. Cooke

Evelyn J. Cooke, age 100, of Sauk City, WI, passed away peacefully at home on June 14, 2026. She was born in Reedsburg, WI, on March 21, 1926, to the late George and Laura (Searles) Buckley. She lived in Reedsburg until the family moved to Lodi, WI, in the fall of 1941. She graduated from Lodi High School in 1944. On September 1, 1956, she was united in marriage to Buel J. Cooke at the Grandview Methodist Church in Dubuque, IA.

Evelyn was a homemaker until 1970, when she began working, first as a store clerk and then cleaning homes for various people. Her hobbies included quilting, sewing, ceramics, and traveling. For a time, she was a member of the Linus Project and other local quilting groups. She enjoyed spending time with her family and numerous friends.

She is survived by her three children, Monte, Brian, and Michelle (Mike Lucey); sister Virginia (Ginny) Lehr; sisters-in-law Judy Buckley and Donna Vogts, and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents; husband Buel; sisters Isabelle (Izzy) Boehmer and Evangeline; brothers Robert (Bud), Arthur (Art), George, Tom, Kenneth, Jerry, and Royce; and her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

The family gives a special thank you to mom’s Agrace Hospice team, of which there are too many caregivers to name, but they know who they are. And thank you to a few personal caregivers who also know who they are. Also, thanks to Cindy and Steve Mack for being such great neighbors to mom and dad throughout the years.

Evelyn had two last wishes: to celebrate her 100th birthday and to pass away at home. She got both.

To my children,

Be not sorrowful that I am gone

And my earthy life is done.

Be not sad that I passed away,

For in you, my children, I live each day.

There is a little of me in all of you.

In each new one, I live anew.

So you see, I’ll never really be gone,

As long as there are children to carry on.

I have had my share of love, sorrow, and strife;

I have lived a full and fruitful life. 

So, do not mourn, and do not weep, For I have earned this peaceful sleep.

(Author unknown)

Love, Mom

A private service was held.