TOLEDO-Richard H. Cooper, age 77, of rural Toledo, died on Friday, October 27, 2006 in Grandview Acres in Toledo under the care of Grinnell Regional Hospice due to a lengthy illness. A Funeral Liturgy will be held on Monday, October 30, 2006, at 10:30 AM at the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Tama with Father Michael Mescher officiating. Interment will follow at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Tama. Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 29, 2006 from 3-7 PM at the Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home in Tama with a Vigil Service at 7 PM and a Rosary to follow.

Richard was born on April 12, 1929 in rural Toledo, Iowa, the son of Edwin and Alice (Pusteoska) Cooper.  He graduated from Toledo High School and Iowa State University with an associate’s degree in farm operations.  Richard married Phyllis Kahler on October 29, 1951 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Tama.  Richard worked for the post offices in Tama and Toledo and was Postmaster in Tama.  Richard was also a lifetime farmer and was proud to be a part of two century farms.  He greatly enjoyed nature and the outdoors. Out of his love of nature, Richard established a small prairie on his farm.
He also had a great love of reading and poetry.  He had many friends on the Meskwaki Settlement and enjoyed learning about their culture.  He was active as a 4-H leader for 20 years.  He was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, Tama-Toledo Lions Club, was a former member of the St. Patrick School Board, and was a charter member of the Jaycees.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Margaret, and a brother Martin.

 Survivors include his wife, Phyllis of Toledo; his children, Dr. Rick (Kathy) Cooper from Toledo; Randy (Connie) Cooper of Toledo, Kathy (Dana) Schrack of Dubuque, Kevin Cooper of Ames and Lisa Wischler of Bettendorf; thirteen grandchildren; Brian, Tammy, Brandon, Tiffany, Jennifer, Tom, Samantha, Justin, Elizabeth, Sarah, Emily, Clare, and Colin; one great-grandson Eden; and two step-great-grandsons Danny and Colten.

A memorial fund has been established.