Cooper Knight Jarzynka

Cooper Knight Jarzynka, 13 years old of Tekamah, Nebraska passed away on Monday, June 8th at the Oakland Mercy Hospital in Oakland after an ATV accident north of Craig, Nebraska.

Cooper was born on October 23rd, 2006 at the Methodist Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska, the first of two children, to Jason and Connie (Sheets) Jarzynka. He had just finished his 7th grade year in Jr. High at Tekamah Herman High School.

Academics were important to him as he always maintained straight A’s and had the privilege of being on the honor roll. Cooper was a student who built strong and lasting friendships with his teachers and classmates.

In his early years, Cooper was a Cub Scout and participated in the LOGO’s program. He was confirmed on Easter Sunday, April 21, 2019 and became a member of the First Presbyterian Church. He also belonged to the Tekamah-Herman Youth Wrestling Club.

He enjoyed doing what most 13 year olds do, watching movies and sports, playing games with family, eating snacks, playing cards and just being with his friends. He had a particular love for the outdoors. Whether it was spending time with his dad in a tree stand or working on a project in the shop, he valued everything his dad had taught him. He always looked forward to the hunting seasons for deer and turkeys and enjoyed fishing with his grandpas and friends. Cooper looked forward to every summer so he could spend time enjoying and working on the farms at both of his grandparents in the Loup City area and with his grandparents in Tekamah.

Cooper loved to ride his dirt bike, spend time with his dog and help with the outside chores. Inside Cooper was starting to love and learn the art of cooking alongside his mother, as he would make his famous chicken enchiladas.

He loved being a ‘TIGER’ in school as he worked his way up to becoming the quarterback of his Junior High Football Team and enjoyed the camaraderie of his teammates during Wrestling season. Cooper also enjoyed Jr High Basketball and playing summer Baseball with his classmates. He was a talented athlete and an avid sports fan of the Chicago Cubs and Bears.

He constantly looked for the good in others as he tried to impact the lives of those around him positively in his own unique way. He was well known in his school and community and did all he could to make sure those closest to him were happy at all times. He could be a prankster, but it was always in good fun.

Most importantly, Cooper loved so many, and was loved by so many more. His deep love for his Mom and Dad was present everyday as he always shared his HUGS and the quiet whisper of “I love you” in typical teenage fashion. He was a faithful protector of his little sister, Lucy, who he adored, and helped to share his love of sports with her, as they were constantly throwing a football, pitching a baseball or playing basketball on the driveway together. He was so proud of Lucy and enjoyed being the big brother.

Cooper brought so much love and joy in our lives and to those around him. He will always be remembered for his thoughtfulness, helpfulness, and the gift of kindness he always showed towards others. He was always a gentleman and willing to help do anything asked of him. He will also be remembered for his love of PINK.

He was preceded in death by his Great Grandparents; Paul and Arlene Janulewicz, Bob and Barb Roberts all from Loup City; Dick Sheets and Carroll Olson of Tekamah.

Cooper is survived by his beloved parents, Jason and Connie, his sister, Lucy Anne; his grandparents, Greg and Diane Sheets of Tekamah, NE; Jerry and Carol Jarzynka of Loup City, NE; Al and Roberta Kowalski of Ashton, NE; Great Grandmothers Marge Sheets of Tekamah and Mac Connealy of Amarillo, Texas; his special dog, Tucker; cats Stormy and Thunder; and a Host of Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and Friends.