Gregory Owen Cooper died unexpectedly in a car accident on Wednesday, September 17. While his death was tragic, he died on his way to do one of the things he loved most– volunteering with kids and sharing his faith and with his wife of 51 years, Julie. 

Greg was born in Belvidere, IL on May 10, 1951, and married Julie Jane (Oldenburg) Cooper on April 6, 1974. Greg preferred to be known as the funniest guy we’ve ever known. He was an amazing carpenter, a solver of problems, a more sensitive man than he sometimes cared to admit, but most of all a person who cared for those around him and quietly served others in any way he could. He loved his wife, his kids, all eleven of his grandkids, and Jesus.  

Greg was joined in death by his wife, Julie, and preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Ruby Cooper. He is survived by his daughter and son and daughter-in-law, Sarah (Cooper) Olson and Owen and Staci Cooper; and eleven grandkids Kathryn Olson, Virginia Cooper, Lillian Olson, Joseph Cooper, Cooper Olson, Moriah Cooper, Finton Olson, Julia Cooper, Ruth Cooper, Joyeux Cooper, and Anya Cooper; and his sister Christine (Cooper) Rink. 

Greg’s life will be celebrated on Friday, September 26, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Willerup Church in Cambridge, WI. There will be a visitation before the service from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.  The interment service will occur immediately after with lunch to follow at Willerup Church.