Dale Robert Cooper Jr., age 73 of Manistee, Michigan, died Thursday morning, June 23, 2022 at Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
He was born on June 8, 1949 in Manistee, Michigan, son of the late Dale R. and Stella (Purgiel) Cooper. Dale was a graduate of Manistee Catholic Central High School with the class of 1967. He served with the Michigan National Guard for two years. Dale was employed with the United States Postal Service for 36 years until his retirement on July 31, 2004. After his retirement, Dale was employed as a ranger at the Manistee National Golf Course and Resort. He was a big sports enthusiast, who enjoyed watching, attending and playing sports, and was a well-known and avid University of Michigan fan. In his younger years, Dale coached little league and men's softball teams. He was a member of the Divine Mercy Parish of Manistee, a member of the Knights of Columbus Msgr. J.M. Steffes Council #853 and the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge #1128.
Dale is survived by his sister and brother in-law, Kathy and Jim Grabowski of Manistee, his sister in-law, Nanette Cooper and her children, Amber Cooper and Jamie Cooper (Annaliese), all of Manistee, his brother Richard Cooper of Daytona Beach, Florida, his nieces and nephews, Marshall Cooper Jr., Lani Fayne (Jonathan) Millsap, Corey Cooper, Mary Cooper, Richard Cooper, Heather Cooper and Ryan Cooper. Numerous lifelong friends, and his cat "Bogie".
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, James E. Cooper and Marshall Dale Cooper Sr., and by his nephew Christopher J. Grabowski.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 30, 2022 at 1:00 pm at the Herbert Funeral Home in Manistee with Dale's neighbor the Reverend Alto "Bud" Goodspeed Jr. officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Carmel Cemetery also in Manistee.
Relatives, friends and the members of the Knights of Columbus will pray the rosary Wednesday, June 29, 2022 at 8:30 PM at the Herbert Funeral Home in Manistee.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home, on Wednesday evening, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM and on Thursday morning one hour prior to the funeral service.
Those wishing to remember Dale are asked to consider a donation in his name to the Knights of Columbus or the Homeward Bound Animal Shelter of Manistee. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. The family asks that you feel free to wear U of M clothing in honor of Dale.
The Herbert Funeral Home of Manistee is in charge of funeral arrangements.