Jerry Cooper Obituary

Jerry Alan Cooper
April 5, 1937 ~ June 15, 2010

Jerry lived his life serving Jesus, honoring his family and respecting his friends.

Dr. Cooper passed peacefully with his children and his loving wife of 51 years, Ilene, at his side. Jerry was born in Sioux City, Iowa, to Victor and Malinda Cooper.

Jerry obtained his master's and doctor of Education degrees at Northern Colorado University. Dr. Cooper was a marketing professor at Southern Oregon University for 30 years. During this time he helped many young people find their way into the work world. He was loved by all of his students and the people whom he worked with. Fair and honest, Jerry loved helping others. He served on the board of directors of the Ashland Community Hospital for several years as well as numerous other boards, committees and organizations. He worked tirelessly helping less fortunate at St. Vincent DePaul, Meals on Wheels and The Knights of Columbus, just to name a few. Jerry could walk into any situation and come out with directions and a good place to eat.

Jerry is survived by wife, Ilene; daughters, Vicki (Mark) Sears, Peggy (Mark) Severson and Katie (Roger) Cooper; brother, Bernard (Ruby) Cooper; and grandchildren, Ashley and Alec Sears. He is preceded in death by his brother, Father Harold Cooper. The family wishes to thank Ken, Bill and Claire for their daily communion and prayers, and hospice workers Jean, Barbara, Chris, Ginger and Kate for all their help and loving support.

A celebration of his life will be held Tuesday, June 22, 2010, at St. Pius X Church, 1280 NW Salzmann Rd., Portland, Or. The Rosary will be at 11:30 a.m., with the funeral Mass at 12:00 p.m. The service will be followed by a luncheon in the Church Hall.
[furnished by the Medford Mail Tribune]