Nick Cook

Age 21 of Coal City, Illinois, died unexpected on Monday, August 31, 2026.

Born April 21, 2005, in Joliet, Illinois, Nicholas Wesley is the son of Andrew and Julie (Drager) Cook. He was raised in Coal City, attended Immaculate Conception School in Morris, and graduated from Coal City High School with the Class of 2023. At the time of his passing, Nick was employed as an Operator with ExxonMobil.

Active and athletic throughout his life, Nick enjoyed a variety of sports and was always willing to try something new. He played basketball at both Immaculate Conception School and Coal City High School, participated in cross country during his grammar school years, was a member of the swim team, and especially enjoyed snowboarding.

Away from sports, Nick found happiness in many of life's simple pleasures. He enjoyed video gaming with his buddies, had an impressive enthusiasm for collecting Mountain Dew memorabilia, and loved being on or around the water, particularly spending time in the lake. Animals also held a special place in Nick's heart. From raising chickens and feeding ducks as a boy to the companionship he shared with his beloved dog, Zofie, his gentle nature was evident in the way he cared for them.

Those who knew Nick will remember him most for the kind and thoughtful person he was. He had a quiet determination and rarely allowed an obstacle to keep him from moving forward. Though he never sought the spotlight, Nick possessed an easy way with people and could strike up a conversation with just about anyone. He was genuine, approachable, and a friend to all, with a sincere belief that people should simply love and care for one another.

Nick could be careful and frugal when it came to himself, yet remarkably generous when it came to others. Beneath his quiet and sometimes complex nature was a young man who valued uncomplicated things: time with the people he loved, his friends, his animals, the lake, and simply enjoying life as it came.

Above all, Nick cherished his parents and his family. They were at the center of his world, and the love he shared with them was immeasurable. In only 21 years, Nick touched countless lives through kindness rather than attention, friendship rather than recognition, and a gentle spirit that made people feel comfortable simply being themselves.

His life was far too brief, but the goodness with which Nick lived it, and his simple hope that everyone would love one another, will remain a lasting part of all who knew and loved him.

Survivors include his parents, Andrew and Julie; sister, Emma Cook; maternal grandparents: Gam’me – Henrietta Drager, Jerry and Jan Parker and Kathy Kennealy; paternal grandfather, Jerry (Cathy) Cook, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins, as well as a host of friends.

Nick was preceded in death by his Papa Ray – Raymond Drager and paternal grandparents: Sue (Randy) Majdich.

The family will receive friends for a visitation at Reeves Funeral Home, 75 North Broadway (one block north of Illinois Route 113) in Coal City on Friday, September 4, 2026 between the hours of 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. A private family funeral services will follow and cremation rites will be accorded.

Preferred memorial may be made as gifts in Nick’s memory to Shriner’s Childrens Hospital Chicago, 2211 N Oak Park Ave, Chicago, IL 60707.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.ReevesFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Nick’s memorial page online through social media.

Funeral services and cremation arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Fruland & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory in Coal City. (815-634-2125)