Rudy Cooper Jr.

Born in Paducah, Kentucky in 1925, Rudy spent his childhood and youth in Detroit and Muskegon Heights, graduating from Muskegon Heights High School in 1943.

He entered into the service and World War II in September, 1943 completing 5 combat missions in the 82^nd Airborne Division in Europe including the invasion of Holland and the Battle of the Bulge.

His college education included Muskegon Junior College, Western Michigan University, U of M and MSU leading to a career as a high school counselor in Ravenna, Reeths-Puffer and White Hall for a career spanning 40 years.

Rudy met his wife, Emily, at church camp and they married in 1949 while at WMU. Most of their teaching careers took place in the same schools. Their lives centered around home, church and school.

Rudy is survived by his loving wife, Emily; their children and grandchildren, Tom and Chris (Lauren and Jenna), Tim (Stefanie, Zack and Kajia), Dan and Abita (Sofia Bella).

After retirement Rudy and Emily commenced their dream of world travel after spending summers while working traveling the United States. Their 56 trips covered Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia. All were detailed in journals and photos with the photos of African animals among their favorites.

He spent his final days with Emily living at Clark Retirement Community in Grand Rapids, Michigan where they participated in a fun Clark Lip Dub that can be found on YouTube.

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