Jerry Edward Cooper Sr. was born on Thursday, February 25, 1943, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, and passed away Tuesday, June 4, 2024, in Des Moines, Iowa. Jerry and his wife Carol briefly resided in Nevada and Florida; however, Urbandale has been their home for the last thirty-five years.
During his brief residency in Las Vegas, Nevada, Jerry worked at a grocery store and delivered food to stars, where he met the American actress, Betty Grabel. His short time in Florida was spent with his wife, delivering missing luggage found at the airport. Jerry’s primary employment was at Armstrong as a factory worker manufacturing tires. He retired from Armstrong and continued to work at several places, including Costco, Hy-Vee, and Blackford Shoe Repair.
Jerry and Carol were high school sweethearts. They were married shortly after graduation from Des Moines North High School in 1962. They started their lives together and began growing their family with Jerry Cooper Jr. in 1966, followed by Jason Cooper in 1968, Jack Cooper in 1970, and Jeremy Cooper in 1976. Jerry is remembered as a firm and loving father to his four boys. Despite his many jobs and responsibilities, he was always there to support at sporting events, concerts, and anything his boys participated in. The same followed with his many grandchildren; if there was an event, you’d find him there.
It is said that Jerry never met a stranger, as he swiftly befriended everyone he met. He was an avid and talented storyteller and never failed to get a laugh.
Jerry is remembered as a hard worker driven by his love for his family. He worked, planned, and lived around his family's needs. Jerry shared a special connection with animals. He was adored by many dogs, including but not limited to Buddy, Buba, and Vegas, the schnauzers, Rufus the dachshund, and Lucy the havallon.
Jerry is loved and missed by Carol Cooper (spouse), Jerry (Jessica) Cooper Jr., Jason (Brenda) Cooper, Jack (Pam) Cooper, Jeremy (Jennifer) Cooper, Hailey (Romon) Cooper, Nick Cooper, Jacob (Olivia) Cooper, Amy Cooper, Carly Cooper, Carson Cooper, Gabi Cooper, McKenna Cooper, Adeline Cooper, Coen Cooper, Eden Cooper, Graham Cooper, and Patrick O’Brien. He was preceded in death by his Father, Jerald Cooper, Mother, Lorraine (Jim) O’Brien, sister Pam O’Brien, and brother Mike O’Brien.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, June 12, 2024, 10:00am to 11:00am, with a memorial service at 11:00am, Merle Hay Chapel, 4400 Merle Hay Rd, Des Moines, IA 50310. Burial to follow at Chapel Hill Gardens Cemetery, 4400 Merle Hay Rd, Des Moines, IA 50310.
