ORMOND ‘COOP’ COOPER

Ormond “Coop” Cooper, 93, of International Falls, Mn., passed away Sunday, Nov. 13, 2016 at the Rainy Lake Medical Center in International Falls.
He was born to Muriel (McVey) and Oliver Perry Cooper on April 20, 1923 in Sterling, Ind., grew up in Noblesville, Ind., and graduated from Noblesville High School in 1941.
He entered the U.S. Army in January, 1943 and served until October, 1945.
Coop was one of the “Greatest Generation” serving his country in World War II in the U.S. Army in the 442nd Infantry. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge, was captured, and became a prisoner of war. Weak and starving, he and others finally were liberated by Gen. Patton and thus receiving a Purple Heart Award.
He graduated from the Purdue University School of Forestry in 1949. He then worked as a forester in the Woodlands Division for the Minnesota and Ontario Paper Company and its successor, Boise Cascade Corp., from 1951 until 1986.
From 1988 until 2008, he was Wood Procurement Manager for Bergstrom Wood Products.
Coop says the reason he kept working after full retirement was that he enjoyed being in the bush and on logging jobs, and the association with the loggers, contractors, equipment operators, truckers, and foresters in the industry and public agencies.
He was united in marriage to Maxine Smith on Nov. 1, 1952 in International Falls.
Coop was a member of the Elks Club 1599, and a lifelong member VFW Post 2948 and Disabled American Veterans. He also was a member of the Borderland Humane Society, Fort Frances Curling Club, and Faith United Church of Christ.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, curling, and especially trout-fishing trips with his friends, and trips to the casinos.
He was predeceased by his parents; wife, Maxine; daughter, Camille “Cammy”; brother, Don J. Cooper; and sister, Kathy W. Sears.
Coop is survived by granddaughters, Angelique LaFrance of Edmonton, Alta. and Nicole Ruppenstein of Fort Frances, Ont.; son-in-law, Rick Dittaro of Fort Frances, Ont.; and very special friend, Luella Walhaug of International Falls, Mn.
A memorial service, with military rites, will be conducted Friday, Nov. 18, 2016 at 11 a.m. at Faith United Church of Christ in International Falls.
Interment will be at Forest Hill Cemetery in International Falls.
In memoriam donations preferred to Borderland Humane Society, Faith United Church of Christ, or the charity of your choice.
Condolences may be offered at www.greenlarsen.com