In Memory of Everett N. Cooksley

Everett N. Cooksley, age 49, of Ida Grove, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at his residence of Ida Grove, Iowa.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 23, 2026, at the Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa. Pastor Mark Aurand will officiate. Committal Services will be held at a later date in the Oakland Cemetery of Manchester, Iowa.

A Visitation will be held prior to the service from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 23, 2026, at the Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa.

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family at: Cooksley/Miller Family, 216 Marshfield Drive, Viroqua, WI 54655.

Everett “EV” Nelson Cooksley (also known to many as “Peanut”), was born on August 6, 1976, in Iowa City, Iowa. He was the son of Dale Cooksley and Kathleen Wink. Everett lived a life marked by hard work and a love for his family. 

Everett was a skilled tradesman who worked for many years in building construction as a self-employed contractor. While he was known for his ability to build and repair with his hands, he was equally gifted with a pencil. Everett was an avid artist who found great joy in drawing, a hobby that allowed him to express his unique perspective and attention to detail. 

Most importantly, Everett was a proud father of two sons, Tyler and Matthew. Though his marriages to Heather Taylor (1994-1996) and Tracy Challet (2002-2009) ended in divorce, the light of his life remained his children and his niece. 

His family takes comfort in knowing that on September 27, 2019, Everett accepted the Lord as his Savior and is now at peace. 

He will be deeply missed by his sons Tyler Cooksley of Ida Grove, IA and Matthew Cooksley of Sparta, WI; brother Clinton Cooksley of Herndon, KY; sister Sandra (Tracy) Miller of Viroqua, WI; half-sister Lynette (Donald) Kelly of Cheyenne, WY; niece Katty Miller of Viroqua, WI; many other aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. 

Everett was preceded in death by his mother Kathleen Wink; father Dale Cooksley; his half-brother Jeff Cooksley; as well as his maternal and paternal grandparents.