Jack Calvin Cooley

Jack Calvin Cooley
December 29, 1943 - October 12, 2025
Jack Calvin Cooley, age 81, of Osceola, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 12, 2025. Born on December 29, 1943, to Helen (Richards) and Robert Cooley, Jack lived a life rooted in faith, family, and service to his community.
A proud graduate of Clarke Community High School in 1962, Jack attended Iowa State University until 1964 before returning home to pursue his lifelong passion-farming. For 60 years, he worked the land just outside Osceola. From 2000 to 2012, Jack served as a Clarke County Supervisor, stepping down only when health challenges required his retirement.
On December 3, 1966, Jack married the love of his life, Rosemary Hunt. Their journey together was marked by resilience and joy. After an accident in 1968 claimed his right arm, Jack's determination never wavered. In a beautiful twist of fate, the same week they were approved for adoption, Rosemary discovered she was pregnant. They welcomed their daughter, Jenifer Julie, on November 16, 1972, followed by twin sons, Joseph Leland and James Calvin, on January 21, 1974.
Jack was a proud member of the United States National Guard, a dedicated Clarke County Fair Board member, and a faithful attendee of Lifepoint Church. His love for Clarke County was legendary-often declaring, "I'm proud to be a Clarke Countian!" much to the amusement of his family.
He will be remembered for:
·His unwavering devotion to Rosie, bringing her a banana every morning during their final year in Assisted Living.
·His commitment to his children, never missing a ball game or track meet.
·His enthusiastic support of his grandchildren, cheering from the front row at every event and creating cherished memories-from quarters at Family Table to pumpkin deliveries and honking horns for cow-watering adventures.
·His deep-rooted passion for showing cattle-a tradition he proudly passed down to his children and grandchildren, who went on to exhibit across the Midwest.
·His lifelong friendship with the Kilkenny boys-John, Jim, KC and Joe-with whom he shared countless games of spades.
·His love of the outdoors, especially the cherished summers spent with family at Sun Valley Lake and memorable fishing trips to Canada with his lifelong friends, the Kilkenny boys.
·His enthusiasm for all things Iowa State, especially football and basketball.
·His love for Tina Turner-especially dancing to "Proud Mary" at every wedding, where his signature moves became affectionately known as "The Jack." This joyful tradition will live on in Grandpa Jack's honor at future family celebrations.
Jack's sweet and generous spirit touched everyone who knew him. Though he will be deeply missed, his family finds comfort in knowing he is now safe in the arms of Jesus, walking streets of gold and free from pain.
Jack is survived by his beloved wife, Rosemary Cooley; daughter, Jenifer Opie of Lee's Summit, MO; sons, Joe (Jeannette) Cooley of Ellston, IA, and Jim (Marcy) Cooley of Osceola, IA; grandchildren: Carter (Austin) Tulle of Lucas, IA; Bailey (Raechel) Ogbourne of Norwalk, IA; Miranda Ogbourne of Des Moines, IA; Sam (Megan) Cooley of Norwalk, IA; Jack Cooley of Ames, IA; Jillian Opie of Lawrence, KS; and Marin Opie of Lee's Summit, MO; sister, Jane Redman of Leon, IA; nieces, Christy (Fred) Calvin of Creston, IA; Nicki (Joyce) Saylor of Washington D.C.; Sarah (Todd) Middleton of Shawnee, KS and nephew, Chris (Karen) Redman of Orlando, FL.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Helen Cooley; in-laws, Leland and Lola Hunt; sister-in-law, Connie Saylor Johnson; and brother-in-law, Dave Redman.
Services will be held at Kale Funeral Home - Osceola, Thursday October 16, 2025 at 11:00 am with Pastor Chuck DeVos officiating with interment in the Maple Hill Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at Kale Funeral Home.
A live stream of the service will be available at www.kalefuneralhome.com on Jack's tribute wall beginning at 11:00 am, Thursday.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the LifePoint Church 801 N. Fillmore Osceola IA 50213 www.lifepointministries.net/
Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.kalefuneralhome.com