Edward Robert Cooper Jr, 88, of Traverse City and formerly of Elk Rapids passed away on August 9, 2023 at the Grand Traverse Pavilions.

Ed was born on September 16, 1934 in Jackson to the late Edward Robert and Gertrude (Sharkey) Cooper.

On June 30, 1956, he married Jeraldine Rae Johnson. Together they shared 61 years before she passed in 2018.

Ed graduated from East Jackson High School. He earned his Bachelors degree from Michigan State University (Go Green!) in Engineering and went on to have a successful career as a Nuclear Engineer with Consumers Power. He retired in 1987. Following his retirement he and Jeri spent their retirement at Birch Lake in Elk Rapids and volunteered for over 20 years at the Osteopathic Hospital in Traverse City.

In 1960 Ed served with the United States Army reserves. He attained the rank of Captain and was honorably discharged in 1968.

Throughout his life, Ed cheered on the MSU Spartan football and basketball teams. He also enjoyed watching the Red Wings, Tigers and the Detroit Lions. He was an avid golfer and could often be found, cutting and splitting wood. He often remarked how he loved living at Birch Lake. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents and wife Jeraldine.

Ed is survived by their children Edward Robert (Kathleen) Cooper III of Traverse City, Cindy Rae (David) Della Vedova of Traverse City and Stephen Paul (Tanya) Cooper of Grandville; grandchildren Edward Robert (Meg) Cooper IV, Sarah Lynn (Jason) Havrilla, Nathan Avery (Kelsey) Poll and Chloe Mae Cooper; great grandchildren Jase Jonathan Havrilla and Reagan Lynn Havrilla.

A private family gathering will be held on Saturday, September 2, 2023 from 2 to 4 at the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Military honors will be conducted at 3 pm.