Margaret Helen Cooper

Margaret Helen Cooper, age 74, passed away on December 18, 2022 unexpectedly after a brief illness following para thyroid cancer. She was a second child and only daughter to Quentin and Dorothy (Anderson) Lundquist of Harcourt, IA.

After high school she attended Iowa Lutheran School of Nursing and graduated in 1969 in Des Moines, IA. She graduated from Drake University with her Masters in Nursing. She spent two years in the Army Nursing Corp. She married Robert (Bob) Cooper on June 20, 1970 they made their home in Des Moines and later Altoona, IA. She taught at DMACC. She loved teaching the students and the students loved her. Margaret had a zest for life and an equal love for family. She is survived by her husband of 52 years Robert (Bob) Cooper, her 2 sons Ken Cooper (Mandy) of Waukee and Brian (Kelly) Cooper of Montgomery, IL. She had 4 "apples of her eye" Larkyn & Meyer, Camden and Oliver. She is survived by her four brothers Charles (Linda) Lundquist (Universal City, TX); David (Gail) Lundquist (Dayton, IA); Dwight (Mary) Lundquist (Kerrick, MN); Norman (Harcourt, IA) and nine nieces and nephews.

When you think of the proverbial grandmother, you think of Margaret. You could find her any given day spending time cooking or baking or quilting. She enjoyed baking with the grandkids, visiting the farm where she grew up, or hard at work in the garden. She enjoyed making traditional Swedish fare like Korv and Lutefisk. Margaret had many friends from her nursing days. She was proceeded in death by her parents Quentin & Dorothy.

Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m., on Tuesday, December 27, 2022 at Hamilton’s Altoona Funeral Home, 105 4th Street SW, in Altoona. A memorial service will be at 10:00 a.m., on Wednesday, December 28, 2022 at Grand View Lutheran Church, 2930 E. 13th Street in Des Moines. Burial will be private at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

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