"We enjoyed caring for Ray at the care center. I will miss his sense of humor and sharing stories about raising his family. Ray looked out for others' welfare and was always willing to lend a hand when needed. My sympathy to the family. Holly"
In loving memory of
Raymond Edward Cooper
August 8, 1917 - May 16, 2017
Madison- Raymond E. Cooper, age 99, of Madison, WI, passed away on Tuesday, May 16, 2017 at St. Mary's Care Center. He was born on August 8, 1917 in Waunakee, WI, to Raymond and Caroline (Fleiner) Cooper. He graduated from Waunakee H.S. and after one year at UW-Whitewater went on to enlist in the U.S. Army during WWII, serving in the Medical Department from 1941-1946. Ray married Doris E. McNeil on November 30, 1946 in Westport, WI at St Mary's of the Lake Church. He was employed for 35 years by the V.A. hospital in Madison as an X-ray technician, retiring as chief of the department.
Ray was very active in his children's lives teaching them to enjoy many outdoor activities including camping, fishing, swimming, ice skating and tobogganing. He continued these same traditions with his grandchildren and they always looked forward to spending time with Grandpa. During his later years, Ray remained physically active and even rode his bicycle from Madison to Mt. Horeb in his 80s.
Ray is survived by his children: Carol Hansen, Ray (Mary) Cooper, Terry Cooper, and Joe (Deb) Cooper; 8 grandchildren and one great grandchild; in-laws: Arabelle Cooper, Hank and Teresa Neubert, and Shirley McNeil. He was preceded in death by his wife, Doris; his parents; and 3 brothers, Stanley, Kenneth and Donald Cooper.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 22, 2017 at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Rd, Madison, WI, with Brother Edward presiding. Burial with full military honors will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the service.
The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at St. Mary's Care Center for their loving care for Ray. A special thank you to PA Terri Patwell and Heather the head nurse of the Memory Care unit who were with Dad for the six years he was at Saint Mary's Care Center. And to Holly and the recreational crew who kept Dad engaged during the time he was at SMCC we are truly appreciative.
Memorials can be made in Ray's name to Saint Mary's Care Center, 3401 Maple Grove Dr, Madison, WI 53719.
Tributes
"I was one of the fortunate x-ray technicians to work for your Dad. He hired me out of school and I worked with him until he retired. A great boss and a great person. I enjoyed getting to know your Mom, also. Very fond memories of the two of them. My sincere sympathy. Linda (Erickson) McKegney"
"Wonderful memories of Mr. Cooper. Sorry we can't be with you today. Will say a prayer for your Dad,. Take care Ray and Mary. We will see you in June. Love, Mike and Rita Sullivan "