Obituary of Richard Everett Cooper

Richard “Dick” Cooper, 87, of Niles, passed away at his residence on Friday, May 8, 2020. Dick was born in Niles, Michigan to the late Max and Zelda (Leiter) Cooper. Dick was a life-long resident and graduated from Niles High School, class of 1951. He attended Michigan Tech, Western Michigan University and served in the United States Army. He was member of Fernwood Botanical Garden and First Presbyterian church. On June 28, 1953 Dick married the love of his life, Gloria Ann Eisen at a ceremony at St. John’s United Church of Christ in Niles. He enjoyed a variety of hobbies and interests including Sailing, Photo journalism, cooking, model railroading and organizing Friday dinner with friends. In addition to his parents, Dick was preceded in death by a sister, Joyce Righter. To cherish his memory he leaves behind his loving wife of over sixty-six years, Gloria Cooper of Niles; his children, Paul (Barb) Cooper of Grand Rapids, Patrick (Beth Ann) Cooper of Holland, Robin Cooper of Niles and Stacey (Jeff) Linville of Buchanan, Michigan and a sister, Bonnie Fernwalt of Kent City, Mi. Eight grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren. A Celebration of Life service will be held at Brown Funeral Home on Friday, July 17, 2020 at 1:30 pm. Memorial contributions may be made in Dick’s memory to Fernwood Botanical Gardens, 13988 Range Line Road, Niles, Michigan 49120.