Merle and Donna Cooper

Dad reached for Mom and she finally accepted his hand, joining him in eternity April 27, 2025. Married March 29th, together for more than 70 years of marital bliss. Along the way, eight children, more than 30 newborn foster children, 21 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Mom and Dad loved them all!

Their lifetime of love took them from Bloomington IL to Fort Leonard Wood MO during Merle's service in the U.S.Army. Next moves courtesy State Farm Insurance took the family to DeKalb, Sidney, Bloomington, Moline and finally Roscoe, all in Illinois. At the time of Dad's retirement in 1991, a final move to Grand Junction CO.Dad enjoyed golf, bowling and camping in a pop-up, then 5" wheel and finally an RV, camping throughout the southwest, and even up to Canada. Mom was an incredible partner for Dad, constantly on the lookout for bargains with an eye for quality. She enjoyed bowling, camping, entertaining, whether for a group of neighborhood moms, holiday feasts, company parties or family celebrations.

Heartfelt thanks to the VA doctors, personnel and volunteers for Dad's care, the doctors, nurses and staff at St Mary's Infusion Unit, who cared for Dad. Also thanks to Dad and Mom's Hope West Hospice care team (Gabby Maldonado, RN; Randy Cirbo, CNA; Dan Wilkey, PC; Casey Peiffer, NP; Caitlin Wicklund, SW) and volunteers (Ruthmary Allison, Sue Ball and MJ) for Mom and Dad. Near neighbors Sue and Rob and George have been very supportive. Special thanks also to former lead team member Dan Pennell, RN.

And, from all family members, huge thanks to our sister Cindy's selfless dedication, love and expertise providing our parents the absolute best in home care!

Military honors were held on Monday, June 2nd, 2025, for Dad at the VA cemetery, where he and Mom are interred.

Special thanks to Kloe Nelson at Brown's Cremation and Funeral Service and Chaplin Dan Wilkey from Hope West for officiating at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

The family of Merle and Donna Cooper also wish to give heartfelt thanks for the Grand Valley Combined Honor Guard who provided the military portion of the memorial service, as well as the Patriot Guard Riders.