Rollie Cooper Feted with a Surprise Drive-by Parade for His 90th Birthday. His Friend Jim was the Grand Finale

Posted on: October 30, 2020

By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

A procession of nearly 30 cars saluted Rollie Cooper on his 90th birthday. The sign encouraged honking. This photo and the featured photo courtesy of Liesl Schultz Hying

Longtime Whitewater resident Rollie Cooper celebrated his 90th birthday on October 30. A surprise drive-by parade of family and friends, organized by his son Bill, wished him a happy birthday as they passed by Rollie and his wife Nancy’s home on Walworth Avenue on Friday afternoon. The police led the procession of nearly 30 cars with lights and sirens. The parade also featured Rollie’s tractor pulling a hay wagon filled with more well-wishers. Rollie’s good friend and horse, Jim, was the Grand Finale.

Nancy and their daughter Amy also organized a surprise card shower for Rollie.

Rollie enjoying the parade with Nancy sharing the joy. Photo courtesy of Liesl Schultz Hying
Many in Whitewater have seen Rollie on his golf cart leading his old work horse Jim on an exercise routine. Photo courtesy of Everett Long
Photo courtesy of Liesl Schultz Hying, who said this photo of Jim was taken, “right when Jim saw Rollie. Such a neat bond they have….” Jim was escorted by April, and he was having a grand time.


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