"Bob was an Area Engineer in my District while in the Ohio Division. He was a good man and a natural leader. I was saddened by the news of his death. "
In loving memory of
Robert "Bob" William Cooper
March 19, 1931 - April 26, 2010
Robert "Bob" William Cooper, 79, passed away at his home on Monday, April 26, 2010. Born March 19, 1931 in Oakland, CA, he was the first child of Robert Howard Cooper and Esther Irene Cooper (White). He spent his childhood in the Bay Area before joining the Navy in 1951, during the Korean War. Robert was trained as a Navy Seal and spent four years serving in Japan and the Philippines. He met his wife, Ruby Marlene Fuehrer, in 1953 in Oakland, CA. They married on June 19, 1955 and went on to spend 54 happy years together. For nine years Robert attended night school and took correspondence courses while working full time and raising his young family in order to complete his Civil Engineering certificate from UC Berkley. His engineering career took him across the country - from California to North Dakota, Alaska, Ohio, Virginia and eventually, Madison, WI where he retired as a District Engineer from the State of Wisconsin, Federal Highway Administration (1992). The Coopers traveled extensively throughout their lives. Robert was also a talented woodworker specializing in fine furniture, creating many heirlooms for his children and grandchildren. His church, family and woodworking, were the focus of his life. He was a beloved husband, father and grandfather. Robert is survived by his wife, Ruby of Madison; three daughters - Susan (Bob) Cochran of Papua, Indonesia; Victoria (Bart) Likes Seattle, WA and Tamra Cooper of Seattle, WA; his sisters Carol Howell of Hayward, CA, Janet (Don) Collins of Brentwood, CA; six grandchildren, three great grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 1st at 4:00 pm at CRESS FUNERAL HOME - 3610 Speedway Road , Madison, with Pastor Bill Lerch of High Point Church officiating. Family and friends are invited for visitation prior to the service from 3 - 4 pm. After the service, there will be a brief visitation with refreshments served. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Wycliffe Bible Translators, P.O. Box 628200 Orlando, FL 32862-8200 - 1.800.Wycliffe.
Tributes
"Ruby, We were so sorry to hear about Bob. We have fond memories of the both of you from our time in the Ohio Division office. Our deepest sympathy to you and your Family. Ron and Sherry Heinz "
"To Ruby and family: It was my pleasure to know and work with Bob in the Wisconsin Division of Federal Highway Administration from the late 80's through his retirement. Bob was known to all as a dedicated public servant and quality engineer. He served his colleagues and the public well creating a highway system for personal mobility - allowing his fellow Americans to pursue life, liberty and happiness. Clearly Bob was a great family man blessed with a wonderful and supportive family. His was a life well lived and a peaceful rest so deserved. "
"To my dear former neighbor and family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Ruby, I've always loved you and Bob and considered you "family". I have so many warm and wonderful memories of the countless hours we spent visiting in your beautiful back yard, at your kitchen table and in the drive way. I remember the times that Bob would show me his beautiful wood working projects, too. What a blessing both you and Bob were to me. May God hold you, your girls and grandchildren "in the palm of his hand". Much Love, Nan "