David A. Cooper

David A. Cooper, 77, of Decatur, IL passed away peacefully Thursday, March 2, 2017 at Joanne’s House at Hope Hospice in Bonita Springs, FL. He was born July 21, 1939 in Milwaukee, WI a son of the late John and Catherine (Jonas) Cooper. Dave was a graduate of Port Washington High School in Port Washington, Wisconsin and a veteran of the United States Navy having served in Okinawa, Japan. Loving husband, devoted father and grandfather he married the love of his life, Madeline in 1962. A mover and a shaker, they relocated often as he was promoted in his early days of sales, touching lives wherever they went. In 1978, with his passion for coffee, Dave founded Marquis Beverage Company in Decatur, IL, which remains the family business today. Dave was very involved in the community and served on the board of directors with the March of Dimes and Baby TALK in Decatur. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, whether they had recently met or shared a lifetime of memories like his special friends of FISH. Dave was a lifelong Green Bay Packer fan and Crown Royal connoisseur, had a passion for flying, enjoyed boating, skiing and traveling, as well as doing yard work. It was not unusual to see him with a blower or a garden hose in one hand and a beer in the other. His death is heartbreaking to his family and friends, but he will long be remembered for the way he lived...full of life and love and the first to offer a hug and a smile. Survivors include his beloved wife of 54 years, Madeline F. (Ratatori) Cooper; loving children, Brett A. Cooper of Bloomington, IL, Kelli (Philip) Gruszka of Bakersfield, CA and David J. “DJ” Cooper of Decatur, IL; brother, Donald (Ruth) Cooper of Fond du Lac, WI; sister, Patricia (Allen) Cottrell of Port Washington, WI; and cherished grandchildren, Andrew, Nicholas, Sam, Paige, and Eric. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Jack and Dennis Cooper. There will be no visitation. A funeral Mass will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church, 2400 S. Franklin St., Decatur, IL, on Monday, March 13 at 1:30pm. A celebration of life will be held immediately following the church service. Memorial contributions in Dave’s name may be made to Central March of Dimes, 2060 W. Iles, Ste D., Springfield, IL 62704 or Baby Talk, 500 E. Lakeshore Dr., Decatur, IL 62521. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home.

David A. Cooper

July 21, 1939 - March 2, 2017