Kenneth Earl Coop

Kenneth was born on June 21, 1945, to Oris and Beulah (Shepherd) Coop in Ottumwa, the fourth of seven children. Kenneth’s fondest childhood memories included working with his dad at the Chevrolet dealership in Bloomfield, Iowa, and taking care of Mr. John Kyl’s rose garden as a paying job at the age of seven.

During high school, he worked at Boldt Chevrolet in Fairfield. From an early age, Kenneth had a fondness for cars and dreamed of being a race car driver or working in the pits as a mechanic.

He obtained an Associate of Science degree from Indian Hills Community College and later joined Tyko- Simplex Grinnell as a design draftsman designing security systems. Kenneth’s proudest career accomplishments were modifying machine parts to increase efficiency for RYKO National Carwash Solutions and helping customers by completing complicated repairs as an appliance technician for various appliance dealers. Kenneth was a union steward at American Chain and Cable Corporation and worked at Picken’s Tire and Appliance both in Fairfield.

In 1965, Kenneth enlisted in the United States Navy. He served at Atsugi, Japan, Cubi Point, Philippines, and aboard the USS Coral Sea (CVA-43). He was discharged in August 1969, at the rank of Petty Officer 2nd Class.

Kenneth and Sherry Jane Hootman were united in marriage on May 19, 1973. They had recently celebrated their 47th anniversary. They were the proud parents of Eric and Christiana.

His pastimes included working on cars, gardening, collecting Navy memorabilia, traveling, listening to The Eagles music, and meeting with the Vietnam veterans from his unit with at military reunions. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Ivan, and sisters Dorothy Hoffman, and Carolyn Zucher.

Kenneth is survived by his wife Sherry, of Urbandale, son Eric (Ayesha) of Grimes, daughter Christiana of Brainard, Minn., seven grandchildren, three siblings, and many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa.