Thomas John Cooper
October 29, 1951 – November 7, 2025
Thomas John (Tom) aka “Coop” Cooper passed away November 7, 2025, at the age of 74. Tom spent his childhood with his parents, Gerald “Jerry” Cooper and Bernice (née Back) Cooper Tripp, and his brother Tim. He graduated from Everly High School with the class of ’69. He enjoyed all his class reunions, including his 55th. He played college football at both ILCC, Estherville, Iowa, and Morningside College, Sioux City, Iowa, graduating in ’73.
Tom married Carol Sheehan on December 27th, 1972. They later moved to Milford, Iowa, where Tom coached the high school football team for a few years. He was always honored when his former players would call him Coach Cooper decades later. Football season would find him up in the radio booth calling plays for the KUOO or KICD announcers.
Tom and Carol were blessed with two daughters, Jill and Amy. Tom was an active dad, proudly encouraging them in their athletic and musical events at Okoboji High School.
He transitioned his summer job at Moeller’s in Milford to become the full-time, well-known, dependable appliance repairman for the Lakes area. Customers would call Melanders specifically to ask for Tom. Tom’s hobbies included growing the best tomatoes and green beans in his garden in the summer and pheasant hunting with his legendary Brittany Spaniel Sammie at his side in the fall.
He stayed active in his community. He served on the city council, utility board, and school board. His well-deserved retirement at 62 meant moving to Waukesha, WI, to be close to his young grandchildren. Tom stayed loyal to his Iowa Hawkeyes and became an avid Brewers and Packers fan.
Tom will be missed by his wife, Carol; daughters, Amy Cooper, Pendleton, IN, and Jill Larson; son-in-law, Eli Larson; grandchildren, Claire and Colin Larson, all in Waukesha,WI; his brother Tim, and sister-in-law Pat Cooper, Indianola, IA; one niece; three nephews; favorite Cooper cousins; two aunts; and many good friends.