Hunter R. Cope

Hunter Robert Cope was born on August 29, 2005 to Robin Cope and Dawn (Wilken) in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. As he was born early, he wasn’t much more than the length of half his father’s forearm. Hunter was raised in Luverne, Minnesota and was baptized and confirmed at the United Methodist Church of Luverne. He was active in church and developed his faith in the Lord. At a young age, Hunter became fascinated with dinosaurs. If you asked him, he could tell you their scientific name along with if they were a carnivore or herbivore. He also fell in love with racing and working on cars. While learning to drive a car, often his rides lead to tours though the John Deere and Case International Harvester equipment lots to inspect the big machinery. The love of heavy equipment and working on engines lead him to deciding to making a career of his passion. Upon graduating from Luverne Public High School in 2024, Hunter entered the Heavy Equipment Operation program at Northwest Iowa Community College in Sheldon, Iowa.

On Sunday, September 15, 2024, Hunter died unexpectedly at his home from an undetermined cause at the age of 19 years and 17 days.

Hunter was a very kind and compassionate person. He always seemed to have a smile on his face and loved being around people – especially as he was blessed with the gift to gab. He liked food and Arnold Palmer iced teas. He also liked all of the puppies his Grandma cared for and made sure to give them each their own amount of special time when he visited her. He enjoyed his interest in trucks, trailers and heavy equipment, but most enjoyed spending time with his friends. Hunter had a way with people and often was able to open up their hearts to him, even getting into the hearts of some of most guarded people. He loved his family and especially his sisters. Hunter will be remembered for always being so happy, kind and considerate to everyone.

Hunter will lovingly remain in the hearts of his mother and step-father, Dawn Cope (Tony Fluit) of Luverne; father, Rob Cope (Corene) of Statesboro, Georgia; three sisters, Cheyanne of Jefferson, South Dakota, Nisha, and Liliann Cope, both of Luverne; maternal grandma, Deb Hanson of Luverne; maternal grandpa, Jim Hanson of Adrian, Minnesota; paternal grandparents, Bob (Sue) Cope of Craig, Nebraska; step-grandparents, William Fluit and Dennis Frazer (Shirley) of Rushmore, Minnesota; special people, Daniella, Sarah, Lucas, John and Erika; and other family and numerous friends. He was preceded in death by his brother, Levi.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred or click the following link to contribute to a GoFundMe account for the benefit of Hunter's family: Supporting Hunter's Family.