John Andrew Koop, Jr., "Drew", age 55, passed away at his home in Anchorage, in the early morning hours of Saturday, November 30, 2019, with loved ones gathered around him. Drew had waged a courageous and grueling 2 1/2 year fight against an aggressive cancer.

Drew was born February 17, 1964, in Chanute, Kansas, to Janet and John Andrew Koop, Sr. His family moved back to Minnesota and he graduated from John Marshall High School in Rochester in 1982. He graduated with a B.S. from Winona State University in 1991. He became a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) in 1996, and moved to Muncie, Indiana to work At Ball Memorial Hospital, where he met his future wife.

Drew married Marcie Murray on October 3, 1998, and they moved to Alaska in 2002, where Drew took a position as a COTA at Alaska Regional Hospital until 2004, when he went to work for the State of Alaska. The couple's daughter, Maria, was born on December 4, 2004. The family are active members of St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Drew enjoyed spending time with his family and was a very active person. He will be remembered for his unique sense of humor, his willingness to always help others, and as a loving and devoted husband, father, son, brother, friend, neighbor, fellow parishioner, and co-worker.

Drew is survived by his wife, Marcie Murray Koop, his daughter Maria Mychele Koop, his mother Janet L. Koop of Rochester, MN, sister Beth (Dan) Faflak of Henderson, NV, sister Amy (Paul) Wallin of Arden Hills, MN, brother David Koop of Brooklyn Park, MN, father-in-law Darrell L. Murray of Palmer, AK, several nieces and nephews, and many aunts and cousins. He is preceded in death by his father, John Andrew Koop, Sr., and his mother-in-law, Beatrice M. Murray.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated by Father Dan Hebert at St. Patrick's Catholic Church on Saturday, December 7, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. with reception to follow. The family implores you, in lieu of flowers, please donate to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, the Alaska Men's Run, or St. Patrick's Catholic Church of Anchorage.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Anchorage Daily News on Dec. 3, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for John Koop, Jr.

Sponsored by Loving family.

19 Entries

Elizabeth Donnelly Stevenson

November 27, 2022

Coy and I were just speaking about Drew and saw this reminder come through. He had a big presence even though he was so low key. Thinking of you Marcy and Maria.

Catherine Neumayr

November 28, 2020

Miss Kalene Morris (a faculty member of Holy Rosary Academy) and I were visiting on the phone the other day and I asked how my dear Maria Koop was doing. I heard wonderful words about you, Maria, about what a fantastic student and young woman you continue to grow to be. What an honor you do your parents, the memory of your dear father and the attentiveness of your dear mother. Bravo and keep it up, Maria! Your father left you such a beautiful example of how to live live truly and well despite the modesty of years he was given. His gentle, kind, loving personality will surely guide you as you approach adulthood. Please know that he will be in my rosary prayers this evening in honor of his anniversary; may he be enjoying complete fulfillment with his Heavenly Father!

Sending my deepest love to Maria and Marcie,

Catherine Neumayr

Uncle Lynn and Aunt Roberta Rineman

December 14, 2019

We were so shocked on Thursday, December 12 to hear of Drew's passing. This must be a very sad and difficult time for both of you.

Susan Osborne

December 11, 2019

So sorry to hear of your husband's passing. Although I didn't know your husband well only met him at your mom's memorial. My heart goes out to you and your daughter. May God Bless you and your family. Aunt Sue & Uncle Jerry

Cortney Edwards

December 11, 2019

I've known Drew for about 10 years starting a friendship and working relationship through OCS. He licensed me 10 years ago. We've had numerous conversations and I enjoyed his friendship. God bless you Drew and rest with the Lord now.

Allen Rogers

December 9, 2019

To Marcie, Maria and family, we are deeply saddened to here of Drew's untimely passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you during this most difficult time.
Allen, Dawn, Kodi and Kennadi

December 7, 2019

Dear Marcie and Maria,
We are so saddened to hear of the passing of Drew. He was such a fine person, husband, and father, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Much love from Michigan.
Love,
Patti and Simeon Iliev

December 6, 2019

Your body is no longer a sufficient vessel for your soaring spirit, now you are free

Catherine Neumayr

December 5, 2019

Dear Marcie and Maria,

I am sending my deepest condolences and love to both of you during this painful time.

My memories of Drew are all beautiful. He was so kind, gentle, understanding, and courageous in every interaction I enjoyed with him. The precious days in which he came into Holy Rosary Academy to substitute are among my favorite memories at the school. The students were always ecstatic to have him and so content throughout the day as he gently but firmly led them through their work.

Please know that both of you have been in my prayers this week and my rosary on Saturday will be said during the funeral. I wish I could be there to hug you both and share in the many happy memories you have of your husband, Marcie, and your father, Maria.

All my love and prayers,

Catherine Neumayr

Carl

December 4, 2019

It's been years since I last spoke with my co worker, sorry to hear of your passing. It was a pleasure knowing you. You were one of a few, that could making inspecting ALF's fun.

Ginger Holder

December 4, 2019

I am so brokenhearted for you and Maria. We will be praying and please let me know how I can help in any way. Love, Ginger, Gwen & all the G Kids

Leesa

December 4, 2019

To Drew's family,
Thoughts and prayers for you as you go through this most difficult time. I was sad to see he had passed, and I only knew him professionally. I am a foster parent, Drew was my awesome licensing worker, so I only saw him every few years - w/intermittent emails between visits, but he was by far the BEST OCS employee of everyone there that I have ever worked with in my 10 yrs doing this. He was such an amazing advocate for us foster parents, and his passion for what he did and the families that he served was evident; he seemed genuine and always had a smile on his face. I know he will be sorely missed by all who knew him, and his loss will be felt through every facet of his life, and from all the lives he touched. Sincere condolences to all of his family, friends and coworkers who mourn his loss <3

December 3, 2019

I miss my friend and co-worker.

Andrea Miller

December 3, 2019

Thank you for your heart felt service. You made a difference.

December 3, 2019

Marcie, Maria, and all family- We are saddened to learn of Drew's passing. And we pray for your peace in this difficult time. Drew was such a solid person - clear in his convictions, his loyalties, and his devotion to all of you. We respected him tremendously and treasure the memories we have of him - his clever wit, intellect, and true friendship. To know Drew was a pleasure and a treat. Liz and Coy Stevenson

December 3, 2019

Drew was a great co-worker. His bright smile and cheery attitude will be missed. My condolences and healing prayers to his family.

The Dewitts

December 3, 2019

So saddened to hear that your battle is over but your reward is in heaven. We didn't know you well or long enough but admired you and your family. A great man. Ed and Mary Pat DeWitt

Holly Henderson

December 3, 2019

Marcie, Maria, and family
Our deepest sympathy, It is a real blessing to Know Drew.
Rod and Holly

December 2, 2019

My condolences to the family . May you find comfort in your treasured memories and Gods promise to return our loved ones who passed away in death . 1st Thessalonians 4 : 13 & 14 .

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