Thomas Cooper

Thomas G. Cooper was an extremely generous man with a firm hand and a big heart. He worked hard to provide for his family, and his outgoing personality fit his profession to a tee. He loved his wife and children dearly, and to his grandchildren, Tom will always hold a spot in the Grandpa Hall of Fame.

Thomas was the fourth child of Bert and Cornelia (Stadt) Cooper, born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on October 22, 1933. It was a time when Americans were struggling to survive the Great Depression, and families knew what it meant to live sacrificially. Tom’s father delivered milk for Maple Grove Dairy while his mother cared for five children at home. From the young age of seven, Tom helped his father jumping off the milk truck, and as a young boy was always looking to earn money by shoveling snow and cutting grass for neighbors. “Working” could have been Tom’s middle name, considering the central role it played in his life.

Tom’s family was extremely close, and they spent much time together. Vacations were few and far between because of the Depression, money was tight and they had the daily responsibilities of a small business they now co-owned, called Economy Dairy. But they were always together for the holidays. Tom’s high regard for family was formed in childhood and stayed with him throughout his life.

The Cooper family lived on Dale Street on the city’s northeast side. Tom attended Creston Christian School, West Side Christian and Grand Rapids Christian High. Tom's attempt to play trombone in the High School band did not last long. Although he did not participate in other after school activities, Tom “Working” Cooper was always busy after school.

Upon graduating from high school in 1951, Tom worked in the family dairy business for three years. In 1954, he was drafted into the United States Army and did his basic training at Fort Chaffee in Arkansas. He went to Fort Sill in Oklahoma for field and wire training, and then served in Ulm, Germany. He worked in radio communications for two years before being honorably discharged, with the appreciation of a grateful nation.

The regiment of military service had been made more endurable by a relationship that began in 1953, when Tom met a beautiful young woman, named Betty at Ramona skating rink. He was instantly smitten. When he was drafted, the two of them began writing letters back and forth. During the entire time Tom was in the service, those letters fostered a relationship that grew into love and commitment. Tom and Betty were married on August 3, 1956 at the Cascade Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids. They took a week’s honeymoon in northern Michigan before settling into a fulfilling life of family and career.

Betty worked as an LPN at St Mary’s Hospital in Grand Rapids, while Tom continued at Economy Dairy. Then in 1959, he decided to start in the insurance business. Because he loved to talk and was at ease with people, Tom was well suited for selling insurance at State Farm Insurance. The company would value his service over a career of 37 years.

For most of their married life, Tom and Betty lived on the northeast side of Grand Rapids, first renting a home on College Avenue, and then buying their first home on Herrick Street. With a few moves in between, they made their long-time home on Coit Avenue. They raised a wonderful family of four children: Kathy was born in April 1957, Mark was born in March 1959, Beth in January 1961 and Paula in June 1966.

Like the family in which he was raised, Tom and Betty were very close to their children. But unlike his boyhood, Tom and his family had much more time to travel. In the early years they camped while on their adventure trips. But as Tom became more successful, they ditched the upgraded trailer and hit the road in a station wagon to travel throughout the United States. In addition, Tom and Betty traveled all over the world, attending conventions through State Farm. When he retired in October of 1996, the two of them began spending winters in Florida at a condo they had purchased in 1986 in Boynton Beach. But when, in 1990, they had the foresight to buy property in Manton, Michigan near Lake City, it quickly became the “go to” spot for the entire family. On a 50-acre Christmas tree farm, Tom renovated a pole barn that was fondly called the “bunk house.” It is used regularly for family and friend gatherings and their 4th of July Cooper reunions. It is a treasured place because of the cherished memories of good times and great people.

Throughout his active life, Tom was involved for many years in organizations such as Kiwanis International. He served on the school board for Grand Rapids Christian Schools and on many church committees. He was an elder and a deacon at Arcadia Christian Reformed Church where he contributed to the care and nurture of fellow Christians. For his own inspiration, Tom enjoyed southern Gospel music, The Gaithers Vocal Band, Elvis Presley’s gospel songs and the Irish Tenors.

When he wasn’t working his long hours for State Farm, Tom relaxed by working in his yard. A finely manicured lawn was his passion. Tom and Betty enjoyed entertaining friends and family at their home where the door was always open and a pot of coffee made. He was a news’ junkie, reading the Grand Rapids Press every day and watching Fox News. He loved to eat, especially his beef roast and potatoes and was always ready for a piece of garlic bologna with cheese or most anything else that was good to eat. Tom collected antique cars and model cars. At one time, he had a collection of five antique Cadillacs, and to this day, he owned a 1930 Model A. Tom was also one to endorse the adage that a man can’t have enough tools, so he was always looking for the next best gadget. He could not walk out of a hardware store without a purchase or two.

Tom lived all of life with eager anticipation and great joy. His death at age 75 leaves a void among those who knew this “larger than life” man. He will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered as a husband, father, grandfather and friend who served the Lord in his daily walk on earth.

Mr. Thomas G. Cooper, of Grand Rapids, passed away Saturday, June 13, 2009. He is survived by his wife, Betty; their children Kathy Cooper, Mark and Jo Cooper, Beth and Randy Hiemstra, Paula and Marcos Cersosimo; 9 grandchildren; his brothers and sisters Mildred and Morrie Hinken, Marvin and Joan Cooper, Esther Wiersma, James Cooper; brothers and sisters – in –laws Leon and Betty Lucas, Marge Woltjer, Orma Slater, Ruth Lucas, Rev. Calvin Niewenhuis. Private family committal will take place prior to the service at church. A memorial service to celebrate Tom’s life will be held on Wednesday, June 17 at 2:00 PM at Blythefield Christian Reformed Church, 6350 Kuttshill Dr. NE, Rockford, MI with his pastor Rev. William Vis officiating. Relatives and friends may visit with his family at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Van Strien Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield NE on Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-9 PM. For those who wish, memorial contributions to The Back to God Ministries International - Brazil Division or the CRWRC would be appreciated. You may share a favorite photo or memory of Tom, or sign the online register book by visiting www.lifestorynet.com