Edward Henry Kooper, died Monday, June 12, 2023 at his home in Alliance. He was 101.
He was born March 27, 1922 near Bingham, Nebraska, the third son of Edward H. and Mary “Mamie” (Leistritz) Kooper. He graduated from Alliance High School in 1939. He enlisted in the United States Navy in May 1942 and served on the Northampton-class cruiser, USS Louisville from January 1943 until his honorable discharge in December 1945.
On November 18, 1950 he was married to Rosemary A. Kubik at Wahoo, Nebraska.
He and Rosemary operated the Kooper family’s cattle ranch with his father Ed, mother Mary and brother Glen. The ranch was located in the Sandhills south of Alliance. They retired in 1986 and moved to Alliance. They enjoyed traveling, and the games of golf and bridge. Rosemary died on June 14, 2000 in Alliance.
On August 5, 2007 Ed married Maggie Murphy at Ogallala, Nebraska.
Eddy & Rosy and Ed & Maggie enjoyed spending the winter months near the beach in the Corpus Christi, Texas area. He was a loving and devoted husband to Rosemary and Maggie and the joy of his life were his three grandchildren and great grandson.
He was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church and a member of several fraternal organizations including the American Legion Post No. 7, Fraternal Order of Eagles, and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks.
He is survived by his wife Maggie of Alliance; two sons and daughters-in-law, Gene & Clara Kooper of Lakewood, CO and John & Cindy Kooper of Sheridan, WY; stepson and spouse, Tim Stevens & Patti O’Connor of Boulder, CO; grandchildren, Merredith Leigh (Kooper) Smith of Parkman, WY, Alexandra Rose Kooper of Sheridan, and Brett Edward Kooper of Sheridan; and great grandson Nolan Kooper Smith of Parkman. He was preceded in death by his wife Rosemary, parents Ed and Mary, and brothers Gene and Glen.
Memorial services will be Thursday, June 29, 2023 at 10:00 am at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Alliance. Father Matt Koperski will officiate. A military funeral honors ceremony will follow at the Commitment Shelter in the Nebraska Veterans Cemetery at Alliance.
Following the service, a celebration of life and luncheon (12:30 pm) will be held at the West Side Event Center. Please come and share your memories and stories of Ed with the Kooper family.
Memorials may be given to the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 1104 Cheyenne, Alliance, Nebraska, 69301 or donations to the Nebraska Veterans Cemetery, P.O. Box 718 Alliance, Nebraska, 69301 or to a charity of the donor's choice.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com