Theodore Wayne Cooper

Theodore Wayne “Ted” Cooper passed quietly at home with family to comfort him on August 9, 2024. Ted is survived by his children: Edward L. Cooper (Susan Phipps), Gail M. (Cooper) Sanders (Ronny Sanders), Joyce P. (Cooper) Uglow (Larry Uglow), and Glenn W. Cooper (Kelli Rocha-Mauricio Cooper); his 12 grandchildren: Geoffrey Cooper, Eric Cooper, Jennifer Goldberg, Carin Mahkovtz, Stephanie Terry, Sara Morris, Nicole Pitts, Casey Orth, Jeremy Uglow, Alex Uglow, Corbin Cooper, and Carter Cooper; 14 great grandchildren; and a fabulous number of nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Marie Virginia (Hall) Cooper of 72 years, who passed five months before him; daughter, Carol (Cooper) Terry (Mark Terry); parents, Wilmot and Rosa (nee Morehouse) Cooper; all of his siblings: Emma (Norman Biller), Kenneth Cooper (Margaret nee Mason), Thelma (Earl Shamp), Everett Cooper (Ellie nee Biller), Waunda (Kenneth Wilson), and his younger brother, Norman Cooper.

Ted was born in the Ohio River Valley near Beaver Creek in East Liverpool, Ohio on December 15, 1927. He grew up during the Depression when there was little for anyone. But the family was resilient and resourceful. When jobs were scarce, the Cooper family moved to northern Wisconsin, near Draper, WI. 

A US Veteran, Ted served during the Occupation phase of WWII and was based in Meine, Germany. He attained the rank of Staff Sergeant in the US Army Air Corps. He crossed the Atlantic and landed at Le Havre, France. Later moved forward toward Frankfort, Germany, and arrived at the base. Ted was instrumental in setting up and operating the teletype office for that part of the Occupational Forces. He was just 18 years old. 

In the 1950’s Ted was recalled during the Korean Conflict, where he served at MacDill AFB in Tampa, FL. There, he met Marie Hall. They married in Draper, WI, and by 1962, their family grew to five children. During their 72 years of marriage, Ted was dedicated to the life of Marie, who was a polio survivor. He lived with her wellbeing in mind.

During his working years, Ted had three major careers spanning from the Hall China Company in Ohio to Wisconsin companies of Kearney & Trecker Company, Cooper’s Plaza True Value, and Scot Industries, retiring in 1989. Ted and Marie traveled in a fifth wheel camper he designed and built for the early years of retirement. They reached all 50 states and even cruised the Panama Canal. They called Lily Lake Golf Resort home during the winter months for nearly 30 years. There he had more time with nieces, nephews, three of his brothers, and a great many friends. They celebrated their 50th wedding Anniversary in FL and their 72nd with music and family in Waukesha, WI.

Ted enjoyed watching the Brewers, the Milwaukee Bucks, and the Green Bay Packers. He spent his spare time creating, woodworking, golfing, and traveling. He volunteered for the Optimist Club, BSA Troop 5, Fox River Saddle Club, and 4-H. He was an accomplished horseman, riding competitive trail rides across the country. Anytime he was doing anything, it seemed it was for someone other than himself. He had a passion for playing golf, and achieved the status of sinking two holes-in-one. He had an amazingly diverse group of friends, co-workers, and a large community presence. He never turned down a family member or friend in need and was widely respected in his work and personal life as the quiet listener “fix-anything” man, no matter where he was. There are not enough words to describe Ted Cooper. He was an admirably brilliant family man who lived life to the fullest. He leaves behind a legacy of love and respect.

His last months were spent outdoors in the sunshine enjoying great grandkids’ baseball games, butterflies, and birds; alongside flowers and family. Ted’s family is eternally grateful to ProHealth Home Hospice caregivers, Katie and Shayla, who provided him with the utmost of care in his last days of life.

Marie and Ted Cooper will be laid to rest together at the Loretta-Draper Cemetery in Loretta, Wisconsin, on Sept 27, 2024.