Don C Cook

Don C. Cook, 86, of Wahoo, Nebraska, passed away Saturday, October 10, 2026, in Lincoln. Don was born on December 20, 1939, in Omaha to Franklin and Eleanor (Erickson) Cook. He grew up on the family farm south of Wahoo and continued to manage the farm, which has been in his family since the 1800’s.

He graduated from Wahoo High School in 1957. After graduation, he attended the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where he was a member of Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity. From 1963-1965, he served in the United States Navy and was stationed on the USS Constellation aircraft carrier. Upon returning home from the Navy, he married Eldean (Janousek) on December 4, 1965, at First Presbyterian Church in Wahoo. Together they built a life and family over 60 years of marriage. Don worked for Pfizer for 34 years, retiring in 1998 as assistant manager for biological production.

A longtime member of First Presbyterian Church in Wahoo, Don served as an elder, deacon, and usher. He was also a member of Wahoo VFW Post No. 4502 and Wahoo American Legion Post No. 82.

Don enjoyed gardening, fishing, hunting, playing cards, and camping. An avid sport fan, he followed the Nebraska Cornhuskers and Chicago Cubs. He treasured his close relationships with his daughters and grandchildren and enjoyed annual summer camping trips with his family to South Dakota. Don also enjoyed traveling with his wife, Eldean, to the East and West Coasts, staying the winter months in Texas, and touring Alaska.

He is survived by his wife, Eldean Cook of Wahoo; daughters, Carol (Jeff) Maddox of Wahoo and Connie Cook of Glenwood, Iowa; grandchildren, Nick Maddox, Tara (Dylan Sr.) Ribble, Elizabeth Cook, Lilly Schmiesing, and Jacob Schmiesing; great- grandchildren, Eleanor Ribble and Dylan Ribble, Jr.; brother, Robert (Laurel) Cook; and sister-in-law, Jayne Cook of Paxton, Nebraska; many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Jay Cook.

Visitation will be held Thursday, October 15, 2026, from 3 to 7 p.m. at Pruss-Nabity Funeral Home in Wahoo. Funeral services will be held Friday, October 16, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Wahoo. Interment will follow at Sunrise North Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the First Presbyterian Church, Wahoo, Nebraska or to the family for later designation.