Gary L. Cooper

Gary L. Cooper, 72, of Pleasant Hill and Arnolds Park, Iowa went to be with Jesus on Sunday, October 22, 2023. He was a loving husband, father, Papa and friend.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by funeral service at 11:00 a.m., Monday, October 30, 2023, at Altoona United Methodist Church, 602 5th Avenue SW, Altoona, IA 50009. There will be a luncheon immediately after the service. Burial will then take place at Rising Sun Cemetery.

Gary was born March 2, 1951, in Ottumwa, Iowa to Gordon and Marie Cooper. He was the second of four children. He graduated from Ottumwa High School in 1969 and graduated in 1973 from Iowa State University with a degree in Industrial Administration. He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Julie Dougherty, on May 5, 1973, and they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this year. Together they had 3 children, Katie Ann, Mitchell Douglas and Laura Ann. Gary worked for UPS his entire career and retired in 2006. He was a longtime member of Lutheran Church of the Cross in Altoona, IA.

Gary loved living at Lake Okoboji. While there, he and Julie enjoyed going to auctions and finding unique treasures for their antique shop. He was very handy and loved woodworking, building pieces for his wife, children and grandchildren. In his retirement, Gary was a member of Team WAVE in Arnolds Park and was a member of SALT- Dickinson County Trail Riders. He also drove cruise boats for Parks Marina. He was very community minded and made friends wherever he went. He was the best Papa to his 10 grandchildren. When the kids visited, he enjoyed taking them on daily trips to the candy store. He and Julie also enjoyed spending their winters in Scottsdale.

Those left to honor his memory: wife, Julie; daughter, Katie VandeLune (Bret) of Prairie City, IA; son, Mitchell Cooper (Jessica) of Tewksbury, NJ; daughter, Laura Cook (Nate) of Pleasant Hill, IA; ten grandchildren: Cooper, Carson and Cutler VandeLune, Henry, Adeline, Truman and Priscilla Cooper, and Harrison, Gregor and Shepard Cook; siblings: Gordon Cooper (Pat) of Fairhope, AL, Michelle Cooper (Scot Pralle) of Medina, MN, and Denise Cooper (Victor Method) of Park City, UT; and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions can be made to Team WAVE, Arnolds Park, Iowa. click here.
Team WAVE
City Hall
P.O. Box 437
Arnolds Park, IA 51331

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