Harry Lee Raymond Cooper was born on September 4, 1924, on the Cooper family farm to Heiko and Minnie (Gronewald) Cooper. He attended West Bend schools. Harry Lee entered the United States Navy and served his country during World War II. Upon discharge, he returned to the family farm.
On December 6, 1945, Harry Lee was united in marriage to Uldeen Merle Underwood in Atchison, Kansas. They became the parents of three children, Gloria Jo, Shiela Lynn, and Marvin Alan.
Harry Lee lived and worked on the Century farm until 1995 when they moved to Rock Port, Missouri. At the age of 83, he retired from farm operations, however still helped move equipment and chauffeured during the farming season. He has returned full circle to Hunter Cemetery, next door to where he was born and raised.
Harry Lee was a member of the First Lutheran Church, Rock Port. He was a lifelong member of Ralph Greer American Legion Post #49, Rock Port. Harry Lee was also the sexton for Hunter Cemetery and was on the Nishnabotna Drainage District Board for 30 years. Harry Lee passed away Sunday, May 7, 2023, at his home in Rock Port, at the age of 98.
Besides his parents, Harry Lee was preceded in death by grandchildren, Christopher and Angela; and sisters, Etta, Hermie, Frieda, Rena, Lucile, Evelyn, and Mary Anne. Survivors include children, Gloria Jo (David) Graves, Fairfax, Missouri, Shiela (Aaron) Erdley, Robinson, Kansas, and Marvin Alan (fiancée, Beverly Longcor) Cooper, Rock Port; grandchildren, Lonnie, Chad, Brad, Clarence, Mike, and Aric; numerous great-grandchildren; sisters, Betty Jane Johnson and Emma Jean Taylor; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 12, 2023, at First Lutheran Church, Rock Port. Interment will be at Hunter Cemetery, Rock Port. There is no scheduled family visitation. Memorials may be directed to Hunter Cemetery or Atchison County First Responders. Services are under the direction of Minter Funeral Chapel, Rock Port. Online condolences may be left at www.minterfuneralchapels.com.
