Cooper, John 'Jack'

John “Jack” Cooper, 80, passed away Sunday, Aug. 5, 2012, in Cedar Rapids at his home.

John was born on Aug. 5, 1932, to George W. and Doris (Bender) Cooper in Waukon, Iowa. John graduated from Wilson High School in Cedar Rapids in 1950. John met Marilyn Beeson at the Keen Teen Club and they married on Sept. 22, 1950. John went to work at Iowa Manufacturing in 1951, then went to work for The Gazette. He retired from Goss Graphics in 1994, after 29 years.

Jack was a machinist by trade, but a carpenter at heart. Jack built his family's first home and enjoyed many years of woodworking in the shop he built. Jack and Marilyn liked to dance, they spent many Sunday mornings dancing in the kitchen. He helped coach his grandson's baseball team and helped his son-in-law harvest on the farm. Jack attended all sporting events, dance recitals, school and theatrical productions his grandchildren participated in. Jack was a gentle man and always put others before himself.

Jack is survived by his wife of 61 years, Marilyn; three children, Linda and James Wenger of Ainsworth, Robert and Mary Cooper of Deerfield, Fla., and Peggy and Dennis Panosh of North Liberty; 12 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and one brother, James Cooper of Lake Mills.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Susan Cooper Frank; one granddaughter, Andrea Panosh; and one sister, Arlene Smith.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 9, at Cedar Memorial Westside Chapel with a luncheon following the burial at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Cedar Memorial Westside Chapel.

Online condolences may be left at under Obituaries.

Published in The Gazette Aug. 7, 2012.