John William Cooper

John William Cooper, 66, Beatrice died Friday, April 8, 2016 at Bryan Medical Center West in Lincoln.  He was born April 24, 1949 in rural Gage County, NE.  John graduated from Wymore High School in 1967. He farmed with his dad while growing up. He served his country in the U.S. Army during Vietnam War. John married Janet Butt on April 24, 1976 in Crete, NE. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and was a past member of Bitting-Norman Post #27 in Beatrice. John worked over 30 years at Hoover Group then for 5 years at the Beatrice State Developmental Center before retiring.

Survivors include his wife, Janet of Beatrice; daughters, Deena Russell and husband Bruce of Yuba City, CA, and Lyndsay Cooper of Lincoln; grandchildren, Julia, Kaylee and David Russell; sisters, Mary Latshaw of Wymore and Cathy Metcalf of Raymond; sisters-in-law, Carol Hartwig of Lincoln and Marilyn Buttler of Kearney; numerous nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Grant and Betty (Wake) Cooper; sister, Susan Mathews; and brother, Robert Cooper.

Funeral Services will be held 10:30 a.m., Friday, April 15, 2016 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Beatrice with Pastor Kathee Forrest officiating. A family prayer service will be held 10:15 a.m. at the church. Military graveside honors will be in the Lincoln Memorial Park Cemetery. The body will lie in state Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., with the family greeting friends from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday evening and at the church one hour preceding services.  A guestbook is also available at www.harmanwrightmortuary.com Harman-Wright Mortuary in charge of arrangements.

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