Ralph H Cooper, Jr

Ralph H. Cooper, Jr, 77, of Kalona, passed suddenly from this life on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at the University of Iowa Hospital. He will be cremated, and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. A memorial fund has been established for the Stead Family Children’s Hospital at the University of Iowa. The Beatty Peterseim Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Ralph Harold Cooper was born November 3, 1947, the son of Ralph H. and Helen (Engle) Cooper, Sr, in Burlington, Iowa. He was united in marriage to Carolyn “Corky” Chalupa on August 20, 1966, at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Richmond. Ralph worked at Modine in Washington as a machinist for 35 years. He was an avid Chicago Bears fan and also enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, his mules, and attending his grandchildren’s events. Ralph continued building items out of metal, even after retirement, and was willing to help anyone with their metal projects. For the last five years, he worked on restoring his 1948 Willy’s Jeep, his pride and joy.

Survivors include his wife Corky of Kalona, two sons: Chad Cooper of Kalona, Jody (Alissa) Cooper of Wellman, eight grandchildren: Skyler (Colton) Barthelman, Chase (Maddie) Cooper, Taylor (Zach) Frank, Collin (Catrina) Cooper, Rylee Cooper (Mitch Blackburn), Macy Cooper (Tobin Miller), Parker and Hudson Ehrenfelt, 12 great-grandchildren, and one brother, Richard (Sandy) Cooper of Burlington.

Preceding Ralph in death were his parents, and three siblings: Bonnie Goble, Susie Cooper and Jack Cooper, his nephew Lee Lillie and his niece Jan Lillie.