Leon C. Cooper

Leon C Cooper, age 97, passed peacefully, June 18, 2015 at Munson Hospice House. He was a lifetime resident of Buckley area and after retirement a seasonal resident of Lake Panasoffkee, FL. Leon was born March 06, 1918, to Claude and Grace (Luther) Cooper. He had two brothers, John (Joan), Carl (Betty), and a sister, Irene (Bill)Smith. In 1941, he married Hope Smith and they had two children, Constance (Connee) Grace and Gregory Leon. Hope died May 1, 1955. Leon married Ruth C. Bush Komrska, who brought four more children to the family; Gary, Ruth Ann, Vivian and Linda. Leon was a successful farmer in the Buckley area of Wexford County. He graduated from Buckley High School and attended Michigan State Farming and Machine Repair courses in Lansing. He served many years on the Wexford County Farm Bureau Board of Directors and the Wexford County Soil Conservation Board. Leon drove a school bus and did some long haul trucking. His farming included a large herd of dairy cows, growing potatoes, and raising turkey's to sell at the big Farmers Market in Detroit. The family all worked hard to make it a success. Leon enjoyed getting together with family and friends, his church family, traveling, fishing, restoring and showing vintage cars, RFD TV, Nascar races, and attending and working at the Old Engine Show, when he was able. He is survived by his brother, Carl, children: Connee (Gary) Mc Phall, Ruth Ann (George) Smith, Vivian (David) Chryst, Linda (Randy) Hendges, many grand and great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, old friends, and a companion and dear friend, Miriam Lutz and her family. Leon was preceded in death by his parents, wives, Hope and Ruth, son, Greg, step-son Gary Komrska, daughter-in-law Carol Komrska, brother, John, and sister, Irene, grandchildren; Jeff Smith, Stephanie Pierce, Stasha Kastenschmidt . The family would like to sincerely thank the staff at Glen Eagle, Comfort Keepers, and a special thanks to the staff at Munson Hospice House. A private family graveside service will be held, as wanted by Leon, on a future undetermined date. Contributions may be directed to Grant United Methodist Church. Kindly share your thoughts with Leon’s family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com. Arrangements are by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home of Traverse City.

Leon C. Cooper

March 6, 1918 - June 18, 2015