Harry V. Cooper

 Harry V. Cooper, age 85 of Patch Grove, died on  Saturday, October 25, 2008, at  Grant Regional Health Center in Lancaster. He was born on September 16, 1923, in Bloomington, the son of Milton and Belva (Bohringer) Cooper. He graduated from Patch  Grove High School in 1942. Harry enlisted with the United States Army and served during WW II, Korean War and the Cold War. On  January 13, 1950, Harry was united in marriage to Bernice Messling in  Colorado Springs, CO. He was a member of the Hanley Ariss Millin American Legion Post No. 5 of Patch Grove and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and trapping. Harry was a Postmaster at Patch Grove Postal Office for several years.

Survivors include his wife, Bernice Cooper of Patch Grove; his six children: Dennis (Alfiya) Cooper, Mt. Hope; Rickie Cooper, Patch Grove; Janice (Larry) Rider, Prairie du Chien; Pamela (Randy) Dressler, Patch Grove; Jack (Sylvia) Cooper, Patch Grove; Connie (Alan) Ruff, Farmersburg, IA; 15 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Harley, William, and Russell.

Funeral services were held on  Monday, October 27, 2008, at Martin Funeral Home in  Bloomington at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Mary Ann Floerke officiating. Burial with military honors was in  Blakes Prairie Cemetery,  Bloomington Township. Friends called on Monday, October 27, 2008, from 9:00 a.m. until time of services at the funeral home. In lieu of plants and flowers, a Harry V. Cooper memorial fund has been established.