Bob Coope (birth name John Robert Coope) was born on Jan. 16, 1927 to Jennie (Cook) and John Coope in the Bankton community south of Williams, Minn. He was raised on the family farm and attended a country school nearby until the age of 9 when his family was resettled to Border in 1936. Bob graduated from Indus High School in 1945.
After graduation, Bob worked on the family farm until he was drafted into the United States Army on June 14, 1954. In the Army, Bob achieved the rank of SP2 and was also a marksman. He honorably served his country until April 21, 1956, when he was discharged from the service. After returning from the service, Bob spent the rest of his life in Border doing what he loved most, farming.
Bob had many hobbies which included hunting, fishing and visiting with everyone he met. Bob was one who never forgot a birthday whether it was that of a niece, nephew, or any of his friends. He also enjoyed attending graduations, birthday parties and weddings.
He was a very active member in the community and surrounding areas. He was a member of the Birchdale Congregational Church, caretaker of the Border Cemetery and was involved in numerous other community events and organizations.
Bob passed away on Sunday, April 22, 2012, at the LakeWood Care Center. He was 85 years old.
Bob is survived by sister Helen (Glenn) Morrison; nieces Ethel Lucek, Carol (Jim) Davis, Mae (Tom) Williamson, Susan (Jeff) Palm, Bev (Cliff) Anderson, Vicki (Roger) Goble, Sherrie (Jeff) Hodgson, Ann (Tom) Dawson; nephews Robert (Cathy) Morrison, Gordon (Linda) Morrison, John (Kim) Morrison, Brian (Bev) Morrison, Joel Morrison, Brad (Cheryl) Morrison, Hugh (Robyn) Morrison, Leonard (Stephanie) Morrison, Roger (Tess) Morrison, Vane (Ealecia) Morrison.
He is preceded in death by his parents; sisters Henrietta Morrison, Annabelle Wheelock; and nephew Gary Morrison.
A funeral service for Bob will was held Friday, April 27, 2012 at 10 a.m. at Birchdale Congregational Church. Visitation was held one hour prior to the service at the church.
Interment was at Border Cemetery in Border, Minn.
