Russell Eugene Cooper 1932 - 2012

BENNETT, COOPER, MERCER, WALKUP

Posted By: Connie Swearingen- Volunteer (email)
Date: 8/22/2018 at 07:24:16

Onawa Democrat
9 May 2012

Russell Eugene Cooper, age 79, of Whiting, Iowa, formerly of Omaha, Nebraska, died April 30,2012 at Pleasant View Care Center in Whiting. Russell was born August 4, 1932 in Castana, Iowa, son of Ray and Merle (Bennett) Cooper. He attended Castana High School before joining the United States Army during World War II. Russell and Alice J. Mercer were united in marriage on May 17, 1952. They made their home and raised their family in Whiting. Russell worked as an over the road trucker for many years before retiring from the Nebraska Coast Line in 2006. Russell moved to Omaha in 1983 where he was united in marriage to Roberta Walkup on May 29, 1987. He lived there until January 2012, when he moved to Pleasant View Care Center in Whiting, where he lived until his death.

Russell was an avid fisherman, card player, and loved going to dog and horse races, watching all-star wrestling and old westerns, and spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Roberta Cooper of Fayetteville, AK; five children, Joan "Jo" Cooper of Sergeant Bluff, IA, Ray (Lori) Cooper of Sioux City, IA, Dave (Becki) Cooper of Whiting, IA, Dale (Renee) Cooper of Whiting, IA, and Karen Wurth of Sergeant Bluff, IA; one daughter-in-law, Lori Cooper of Whiting, IA; 16 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren with 1 soon to arrive; 3 nieces; 3 nephews; several cousins; and four stepchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Gary Lee Cooper; grandchildren Cody Cooper and Carmen Cooper; one brother, Guy Cooper; and two sisters, Fern Heisler and Dorothy Jackson.

Funeral services were held 10:30 A.M. Friday, May 4, 2012 at the Whiting Christian Church with Pastor Tom Scott officiating. Music selections included "In The Garden," "I Can Only Imagine," and "I've Been Everywhere" with Rich Anderson, soloist, and Nancy Brenden, organist. Burial followed in the Harrison Cemetery in rural Whiting. Visitation was held 5:00 - 8:00 P.M. Thursday, May 3,2012 with a prayer service at 7:00 P.M. at the Whiting Christian Church. Arrangements were under the direction of Rush Family Care Service in Onawa.

Casket bearers were James Cooper, Bob Cooper, Justin Cooper, Gabe Cooper, Ryan Wurth, and Leah Cooper. Honorary casket bearers were John Sigmund, Bryan Cooper, Nicole Cooper, Casey Cooper, Laci Cooper, Bill Cooper, Brent Cooper, Kysa Cooper, Mitchell Wurth, Tara Cooper, and 33 great-grandchildren with 1 soon to arrive.