Donald Cooper

With a life that spanned 88 years, Donald Cooper was thankful for the wonderful and blessed life he had been given. Throughout his life he experienced and witnessed many changes, but it was the family for which he had been blessed that he held in the highest regard. In fact, one of his favorite sayings included a simple fact; "Other things may change, but we start and end with family." To that end, Donald lived a rich and fruitful life surrounded by those he loved and cared for.

Donald's story began at a time when America was getting back on her feet following World War I. The economy prospered through technological advances, and manufacturing was at an all time high. Nestled in the village of St. Anne, Illinois, Fred and Minnie (Prillwitz) Cooper had their attention focused on their family and farm for which they labored daily. Yet on April 13, 1923, they experienced the joy of new life when they welcomed the birth of their son, Donald.

Along with his seven siblings, Donald was raised on the family farm. He learned early on the value of hard work, and came to love working the land. Saturday mornings were usually spent going to the farmer's market to sell the fruits of their labor. During the week they prepared by shooting and dressing rabbits, and butchered hogs for cuts of meat. His mother churned butter and gathered fresh eggs, as well. The townspeople loved the fresh food they sold and became regular customers. During his youth, Don also made home deliveries for which he was paid 25 cents. As always, he was sure to spend some on an Eskimo Pie.

The local schools provided Don with his early education while enjoying a typical childhood for the times. The hardships of the Great Depression were felt by everyone near and far, but together Don and his family were fortunate to have survived these harrowing times without losing their farm like many others. In high school Don played several sports including basketball, and football before graduating from St. Anne High School.

A prom at Buckley High School set the scene for one of Don's most defining moments. While there he met a young woman named Billy Jo who taught at the school, and his heart, and life, was never the same. When they danced, he was amazed at how easily she followed his lead on the dance floor. It was as if they were a match made in heaven! Not knowing a ring from a cow, Don reminisced about the day he took Billy Jo to pick out her engagement ring, a mere 66 years ago. On June 29, 1947, they became husband and wife at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Kankakee. The greatest day of his life, he thought Billy never looked more beautiful.

Before long the happy couple became the parents of four beautiful daughters, Lynn, Beth, Kaye, and Patty. They remained longtime members of St. Paul's Lutheran Church and he supported his family doing what he knew best . . . farming. It was in his blood from birth and for the next 70 years until he retired in 2006, Don spent season after season through sun, winter and rain as a dedicated farmer. Content and happy surrounded by green grass and fresh air, he loved living in the country.

During his years of farming, Don enjoyed the companionship of many pets including Midnight, his beloved Cocker Spaniel. Buster was his hunting dog, but Andy was the smartest Brittany Spaniel ever. His German Shepherd, Josephine was loyal to the core and Peanut was simply a yellow cat that charmed her way into everyone's heart. He also had a special place in his heart for Sugar, one of his ponies and her colts.

Don was known to read the Wall Street Journal every day and often saved articles to share with family. An avid sports fan, he was partial to the Chicago White Sox and Chicago Bears. He also had a penchant for fishing. He taught each of his daughters and in time, grandkids how to fish. Many family photos include the girls, clad in pajamas, holding lines of fish Don caught. Although often in bed when he returned home from a night of fishing, they couldn't help but scurry out of bed to see his catch. As a family, memorable times were shared over the years, and Don cherished each and every one. He loved Christmas and other holiday gatherings with the entire family. Along with dozens of birthday celebrations and barbeques, fun times full of laughter were enjoyed by all.

Don and Billy continued their love for dancing and their family so enjoyed watching them glide across the dance floor. Even in their later years, the bond they shared in love shone ever bright when in one another's arms on the dance floor. As members of the Kankakee Elks Club and Moose Lodge, great times were enjoyed taking in some of the many activities they offered. They also came to enjoy wintering in Sebring, Florida each year. They made many friends in their retirement community and liked being typical "snowbirds". Don always looked forward to fishing in Florida and golfing, which he took up in his seventies. When at home, he often golfed with his son-in-law, Tom, and grandson, Brian around Kankakee. In later years, however, Don and Billy just simply loved soaking up the sun.

A proud and loving father, Don was just as overjoyed with his grandchildren. He enjoyed watching them achieve success and never failed in commending them for their endeavors. He encouraged Carlee in gymnastics, Brian in baseball and wrestling, Maria in dance and soccer, and Nik in wrestling and soccer.

Don was one of the most contented people anyone would ever want to meet. He was a positive man, and his outlook on life was to treat everyone fairly, and to work hard at whatever one chooses to do. A fine and loving example, Don's actions spoke volumes for what he believed. Even as his health took a turn, he always reaffirmed how wonderful everything was and what a great life he had. He also never ceased in speaking his mind about his love for Billy, and the great job she did raising their daughters.

As hearts remember Don Cooper, they will be reminded of his hard working nature. Most importantly, they will recall his loving and faithful heart. Gone yet never to be forgotten, Don will be dearly missed by his family and those who came to know and love him.

At the age of 88, Donald R. Cooper, of Kankakee, Illinois, passed away Sunday, April 8, 2012 at home with family by his side. He is survived by his wife; Billy Jo; his daughters: Lynn (Emil) Zadkovic of Mokena, Illinois, Beth Cooper ( Darla Moldenhauer) of Bourbonnais, Illinois, Kaye (Russell) Cooper-Mead of Los Angeles, California, and Patty (Tom) Wright of Lakeville, Minnesota; grandchildren: Carlee Wright (Robert Palmer), Brian Wright, Maria and Nikolay Zadkovic; one great-grandchild, Cooper Wright-Palmer; step-family: Michael, Donna (Zadkovic), Ashley, and Patrick Brouder; two sisters: Marion Bauer of St. Anne, Illinois and Ellen McKibben of Kankakee, Illinois; sister in law, Helen Cooper; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers: Howard, Darwin, and Frederick Cooper; two sisters: Elvira Cooper and Irma Jensen.

A gathering time for family and friends will be held Wednesday, April 11, 2012 from 4-8 PM at the Kankakee Chapel of the Schreffler Life Story Funeral Home where his funeral will take place Thursday, April 12, 2012 at 11:00 AM. Burial at Kankakee Memorial Gardens in Aroma Township. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 1780 Career Center Road, Bourbonnais, Illinois 60914 or Hospice of Kankakee Valley, 482 Main Street NW, Bourbonnais, Illinois 60914. To share a favorite memory of Don, submit a photo and to sign his online guest book, please visit www.lifestorynet.com.