Carl Cooper

Carl Rowe Cooper, age 88, of Mackinaw City, MI passed away on March 3, 2017. Since the death of his wife Mary in 2010, "Coop" lived with his children in Kalamazoo and Novi, MI. For the past two years, he was supported and loved at The Manor of Novi. Carl was born on November 7, 1928, and raised in Kalamazoo, MI. He was a 1947 graduate of Western State High School and received a business administration degree from Western Michigan University in 1951. Carl and Mary Louise (Sheldon) Cooper were married in Kalamazoo on July 12, 1952, and shared 58 wonderful years together. Carl spent his career in the paper industry at one company, Kalamazoo Vegetable Parchment, through its transitions to James River Corporation. He retired as vice president and general manager. Carl and Mary moved to their lake home in Mackinaw City, MI and spent 27 winters in Panama City Beach, FL among friends. Coop was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa in his teens. He gradually lost his vision, becoming blind in his 40s. Subsequently his other senses were heightened, especially his sense of humor. He was an inspiration to others and treasured family, faith and friendship. Carl and Mary met as teenagers. She was his cherished partner, guiding his steps and sharing the beauty of life through her eyes. His beloved Detroit Tigers will need to carry on this season with one of their biggest fans now sitting in the "upper deck". He is survived by his daughter, Sandra Lynn (Cooper) Dugal of Kalamazoo, his son C. Ronald Cooper of Novi, their spouses Anthony Dugal and Mary Fischer Cooper, his five grandchildren Kevin and Kathryn Dugal, Aimee and Erin Cooper and Amelia Angelosanto. He was preceded in death by his parents Carl Rowe Cooper and Ruth Gladys (Cole) Cooper and his older sister Phyllis Jane (Cooper) Meyer. Coop's life will be celebrated on Monday, July 31, 2017 at Church of the Straits, 307 N. Huron Blvd., Mackinaw City, MI at 10:30 am. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial contributions to Church of the Straits or the charity of your choice .