Michael "Coop" A Cooper

Born on February 9, 1963, in Fort Wayne, he was the son of the late Herbert Cooper and Jane Powers Cooper. A proud graduate of Northrop High School, Class of 1982, Coop went on to live a life full of laughter, loyalty, and unforgettable memories.

A true fixture of Fort Wayne nightlife, Coop was a lifelong bartender who poured more than just drinks—he poured warmth, wit, and connection into every shift. He worked at Columbia Street West during its heyday, but found his true home behind the bar at Coop’s Karaoke Pub, the beloved spot he owned with his mother Jane from 1989 to 2008.

Later in life, Coop brought that same dedication and heart to his work in the environmental services department at PRMC until his retirement in 2019.

Known for being the life of the party, Coop had a magnetic personality and a generous spirit. He added color to every gathering and left behind a legacy of laughter and love. Though he never had children of his own, Coop held his niece and nephews close to his heart and treated them as his own. He was a lifelong animal lover, a loyal friend, and a man who gave more than he ever asked for in return.

He is survived by his sisters, Karen Niemeyer of Fort Wayne and Kathryn (Barb) Radamis of Westland, MI; niece, Andrea (Tori) Ensch; nephews, Tony (Lynsey) Ensch, Andrew (Emily) Radamis, and Adam Radamis; great-niece, Jade McColgin; and great-nephews, Kade Cazzell and Jackson Ensch.

A memorial service will be held at 3 PM on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at Hockemeyer & Miller Funeral Home, 6131 St. Joe Rd., Fort Wayne, IN 46835. Calling will be held two hours prior to the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Stillwater Hospice or to the family to assist with final resting expenses.