Keith Eugene Coop

Keith E. Coop: July 3, 1946- July 3, 2024
"I'll betcha a quarter" that when the angels sent by God to pick up Keith had no idea of the wonderful stories they were going to hear while on their way to deliver him to Heaven. Keith E. "Electric" Coop, devoted and loving husband of 56 years, father of 5 girls, grandfather of 10, and all around good-ole-guy and friend, was called home to God on his birthday, July 3, 2024.
Born in 1946 to farmers Merle and Ruth Coop of rural Yorkville, IL, Keith was the youngest of three children and the only boy. He grew up understanding that diligent and hard work was the foundation for success in life. Besides working on the farm from toddler on, Keith completed his requirements as an Eagle Scout and started his education in electrical science.
In 1964, Keith started dating the girl down the road, Pat Nauman, and they became high school sweethearts. After she dumped him, he joined the Army and started his Basic Training. However, Keith refused to give up on the love of his life, and in 1967 he returned home for a week on leave, and within two days they were engaged. Keith was then deployed to Vietnam as a Medic for the US Army in a mobile surgical unit. Upon his return from Vietnam, Keith and Pat were married on April 20, 1968, and within a short time moved to Hinckley, IL.
It was in Hinckley where Keith and Pat primarily raised their 5 (yes, FIVE) wonderful, beautiful, supportive and amazing (we added that!) daughters. While working third shift (plus tons of overtime), he somehow managed to find time to obtain his pilot license and fly his family around, often attending Fly-In Breakfasts and honing his daughters' skills in patience and aiming with flour-bomb competitions. Spring motorcycle rides with the girls would often include teaching skills in balance as well as the art of asparagus hunting. Keith further rounded out his daughters' outdoor education with instruction on the proper way to bait a hook and slay the bluegill population. In 1986 Keith and Pat moved their family to Mendota, IL to be 'out in the country'. Whether in Hinckley, or in Mendota, all of his daughters agree that Dad was always on the sidelines for all of their games, music productions, plays, parades, and every other activity, including filling in as "Room Mother" when needed.
Keith spent his occupational career as a 3rd shift Master Electrician for Caterpillar Tractor Company in Aurora, IL. He was proud to bring his girls to the annual picnics to see the huge machinery and tractors that he played a part in producing. For some time he also ran his own side business, Keith Coop Electric, which is why for the longest time his daughters all assumed that the E. in his middle name stood for Electric who would have guessed it was "Eugene"?
At home, Keith was the ultimate DIY and Fix-It Man. If Dad could not fix it, then it obviously could not be fixed. From oil changes to engine rebuilds, bathroom remodeling to toy fixing, the girls grew up never knowing that handyman, plumber, mechanic, driver, roofer, gardener, mason, steel cutter, electrician, or carpenter were actually real occupations and not just part of the "Dad" role.
In 2003 after 38 years of service, Keith retired from Caterpillar and they moved to Howards Grove, WI. It was in Howards Grove that he began his post-retirement 'career' as a school bus driver. Keith took his job seriously and was very protective of all the littles who rode on his bus. He was also, and will be forever, known as the "Bus Driver with all the Hats". After a serious illness in 2018, Keith was forced to retire from bus driving, but was always proud to be recognized and approached by so many of "his kids" that he drove.
Keith and Pat also loved to travel, especially if it involved being with or attending events for family. In the early years, every summer Keith and Pat would pack up the girls and go camping in Michigan in order to bring back huge loads of peaches and blueberries for friends and family. Bringing up memories of fishing in Canada, weddings in Florida, Illinois and Minnesota, hiking (kind of) in Arizona and Nevada, college football games for grandsons in Virginia and South Carolina, grade school and high school soccer, football, volleyball and basketball games for grandkids in Illinois and Wisconsin, and playing cards in Puerto Vallarta would always bring out the, "well I remember when " stories.
Anyone who knew Keith knew that he had a heart and smile bigger than most. Also anyone who knew him knew that once he started telling his stories, you might as well pull up a seat, pop a beer, and enjoy the show. Keith was a man of many words and stories, each one a testament to his incredible journey and the love he had for his family. His fair and just nature made him a guiding light, always ready to lend a helping hand or advice. His little laughs, those infectious snickers that would make his daughters roll their eyes and say, "Dad!!" and his warm ear-to-ear smile could light up any room, leaving everyone feeling a little bit lighter. But perhaps Keith's greatest attribute was the love and immense pride that he had for family – his wife, Pat, his five daughters and "sons" and his ten grandchildren. He always put family first and loved them with all his heart and soul. He was our Dad, Daddy, Padre, and Papa, our mentor, our biggest fan, and our hero.
Keith is lovingly survived by his wife, Pat, of Howards Grove, WI, and his daughters and their families: Wendy and George Varish (Geo and Layne) of Cleveland, WI; Shelley and Matthew (Chase and Jack) Simonton of Woodstock, IL; Kristy and Sean (Madison, Evan and Kaden) Schickel of Fredericksburg, VA; Tracy and Bo (Mackenzie, Addison, and Brayson) Richter of Waukesha, WI; and Bonnie and Bob Eicherl of Knoxville, TN; as well as his grand-dogs Rowan, Jamison, Scout, Annex, Crawford & Whiskey. Keith is also survived by his sister, Leona Bornemann of Ottawa, IL and her family, many nieces, nephews, and wonderful sister- and brother in-laws.
Keith was preceded in death by his parents Merle and Ruth (Clark) Coop, his father- and mother-in-law Leo and Marian Nauman, his sister and brother-in-law Donna and Dean Houck, a niece Denine Houck- Cox, his brother-in-law Richard Bornemann, and an infant son, Keith Eugene Coop, Jr.
Services will be held at St. Thomas the Apostle, 8100 Brunner Road, Newton, WI on Friday, July 12, 2024 with Visitation with the Family from 12pm-4pm and a Tribute to Life Service at 4pm with interment with Military Honors to follow (directly outside the church). Feel free to wear a silly hat or bring a quarter to bet. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to SCAD at https://scadresearch.org/donate/, your preferred Veteran's association, or Keith's family's choice.
"I'll betcha a quarter Dad and I'll tell ya what " God said that He had a place for you to rest, fly again amidst the clouds, fish for a thousand men, and still work on those card game skills. We look forward to the day we get to hear all about those Angels and the stories you told them, too! And don't worry – "it IS a promise – not a threat" Mom WILL be okay- we got her!! Love you Dad! Sweet Dreams- and don't let the bed bugs bite!
The Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Pfeffer location, is assisting the family with arrangements. Expressions of sympathy can be made to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com