Dennis Wayne “Den” Cooper

Dennis Wayne “Den” Cooper , age 85 passed away Thursday April 21st, 2016 at his home in Ithaca, MI with his family by his side. He was born June 15th, 1930 in St. Johns, MI. the son of Hollis and Louise Cooper of Middleton, MI. 

Den was a graduate of Fulton High School Class of 1950 ish... ( He often told the story of only repeating the 8th grade 3 times... HA) While in school he participated in football and FFA, and worked on the family farm. After high school Dennis worked various odd jobs until he enlisted in the United Sates Airforce, serving 4 years during the Korean Conflict. 

In the early 1960’s Dennis acquired the Chevrolet franchise in Ithaca and built his dealership “Den” Cooper Chevrolet. Then in the early 1980’s he acquired the Buick franchise combining them into “Den” Cooper Chevrolet - Buick. 

Den is survived by his children Douglas Cooper, Deborah (Ted) Komperda, Daryl (Denise Reese) Cooper, D-j (Michael) Krum, Step Daughter Pat Dixon. His brother Dee (Bonnie) Cooper, his sister June Smith, and brother-in-law Richard Abbott as well as many grandchildren, great grand children, and nieces and nephews. 

He is proceeded in death by his parents, sisters Jean (Martin) Richards, and Janet Abbott, brother-in-law Dale Smith, Wife Virginia Cooper, his son Daniel Cooper, grandson Chad McCormick. Peg Marcus, and long time companion Pauline Merchant. 

Visitations are at Barden Funeral home in Ithaca, Mi Tuesday April 26th 6pm- 8pm, and Wednesday the 27th 2pm– 8pm. Funeral services will be held Thursday April 28th at 11am at the United Methodist Church, Ithaca, MI. Pastor George Showers will officiate and burial will follow at Ithaca Cemetery. Family requests donations in Dennis’ name to be made to Ithaca Fire and/or the Commission on Aging. 

Comments

[Jeff Chaney]

Very sorry to hear about your dad. It is hard losing multiple family members so close together, but you know how to be there for each other and know that there are many friends to support you also.

[Larry Gould]

Den was a great businessman for Ithaca. He built his house next to ours and would plow our drive for us in the winter. I think to get my dad to buy a Chevy but dad never did. I remember going into Den's house and him showing me his gun collection...wow! Prayers for his family at this time.

[Linda Kinney Smith]

I am so sorry to hear we have lost Den from this life. He was such a wonderful human being, always a smile for everyone, so full of love for his family and friends. My family will always remember his kindness and generosity, his infectious smile. I can imagine Denny, my folks, Pauline, and so many others circling their motor homes to have yet another Gratiot County get together. I have so many fun memories I could share, but will relate this one sweet memory...we were dickering yet again for a great deal on a new car. We were almost there, but Den, with a very serrious face said, there was just one more thing we had to agree on. Larry and I shrugged, what? With that special twinkle in his eyes, that we all know, he said, I need that antique push-pull vaccine...he pointed to a spot in his dealer office. The deal was done. Den and I reflected on this a year ago, he was a very special friend. I want to send my love and condolences to all his family and friends. Enjoy the tons of precious memories. I know you will laugh and cry together and that's what Den and Virginia would like and expect.

[Denise. Harrington]

Truly wanted to express my sympathy to all of you.Treasure the memories that I have of Dennis. Holding you all up in my thoughts and prayer. God bless

[Sally Reava]

Sending hugs and prayers your way. Thinking of you all. Back in the 70's - I was a patient as was he at the hospital. He brought me a get well card that he had received - and passed it on with good wishes to me. He never forgot that - and would mention it to me when we happen to meet. Was a good business man, friend and Father. He will be missed.

[karen and dave mills]

so sorry to hear about Denny passing....thinking of all of u

[Ron & Cheryl Krautstrunk]

Our sincere condolences to all of the family. Like everyone else sharing memories we also have a few. When Ron first arrived at the Ithaca State Police Post Denny insisted he would need a new Corvette so away they went for a joy ride! Great fun but alas no sale there. That was the beginning of an enduring friendship. In later years coffee with Denny and Pauline always meant "goodies" whether Pauline baked or Ron brought from the bakery and a few stories were swapped between them, always with a chuckle or two! RIP Denny.

[John Schimmelmann]

Met Denny in 1969. He gave me the gumption to go on my own
from General Motors. Later, after closing our business he was the first one there with an offer to work for him. Worked for Denny for six years. Some things I'll never forget. May his soul and the souls of those who have faithfully departed, rest in peace.

[Carolyn Ramsey Bradshaw]

So very sorry for your loss. Den was my first boss, as I babysat For him when I was in high school. The Coopers were a large part of our community on Ely Highway and he will be missed by many.

[Billie R. Dalton]

I was the pastor to Den's sister, Jean, and her family and by extension, became friends with his parents and Den and his family. I found myself in family as well as social situations. Though he was a country boy at heart, he also knew how to bd the classiest man in the room. He knew a good joke and loved to listen to good jokes as well. In the Ithaca area there was only one character known as Den Cooper. He is missed and will be missed. I met him in 1965 and when I passed through Ithaca I stopped to see him.

[carol and Richard Merchant]

What wonderful times we had together. We will miss this dear old friend. Love to his family - Carol and Dick

[Dave and Karen]

dave02397@gmail.com

[David and Karen]

Sorry for your loss. He was a great uncle and person.

[Ronna]

My thoughts and prayers are with Denny's family during this difficult time. He was a good man with the best, tightest hugs ever. He would always grab me, pick me up and hug me with love while calling me "Rhonda" Only person to get away with that.

[Jeff & Lori Crocker]

Doug, Deb & Daryl ~ So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are prayers are with you.

[Cheri Eicher Sisung]

So sorry to hear about Dennis. He was a great neighbor and friend to my folks and my sister, Bette and me as well were his parents and brother and sisters. My dad, Kendall, my sister and I all bought cars from Dennis. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.

[Marianne DeVuyst Mallek]

So sorry for your loss. Denny was such a sweet man and can't help but smile when I hear his name. He always had a story or joke to make you laugh. Working at the dealership was my first job, I was the "Saturday girl", worked with Daryl and the guys as well. Lots of memories and he sure will be missed.

[Babe Quintrall]

"Life, like a mist, appears for just a day, then disappears tomorrow
All that we are can quickly fade away, replaced by tears and sorrow
If a man should die, can he live again?
Hear the promise God has made:
He will call; the dead will answer
They shall live at his command
For he will have a longing, for the work of his own hand
So have faith, and do not wonder
For our God can make us stand
And we will live forever, as the work of his own hand"
Job 14:13-15