Stephen H. Cooper

Stephen Howard Cooper, 61
Rockford, IL
June 17, 1964 - August 24, 2025

Stephen Howard Cooper, 61, of Rockford, Illinois, passed away at home on August 24, 2025, surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with lung cancer and Parkinson's disease.

Born on June 17, 1964, in Havre de Grace, Maryland, Steve was the son of Howard and Marianna Cooper. He graduated from Guilford High School in 1982 and went on to earn a bachelor's degree from Judson College in 1986. In 1998, he received a Master of Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Steve was ordained as a pastor by the Evangelical Free Church of America and endorsed as a Chaplain by the EFCA.

Steve dedicated his life to faith, family, and service. His career included roles as a Chaplain in the U.S. Army National Guard, Chaplain at Rockford Christian Schools, Pastor of Calvary Evangelical Free Church in Rugby, ND, and various leadership positions at Kids Around the World, Inc., First Free Rockford, Cru Military International, and First Love International. Most recently, he served as a missionary with First Love International.

With 28 years of military service, Steve retired as the Senior Army Chaplain in the Illinois National Guard on December 31, 2017. Throughout his career, he served in the Active Army, the Illinois Air and Army National Guards, and the North Dakota Army National Guard. A veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, he deployed as a Battalion Chaplain from 2004 to 2005. Steve was a decorated servicemember, awarded the Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal (2), Army Achievement Medal (2), and numerous other honors.

Steve married the love of his life, Renee, on July 11, 1987. Together, they raised five children and welcomed several beloved grandchildren. He enjoyed woodworking, fishing, hunting, photography, bird watching, and was an avid fan of Baltimore sports. He was musically gifted, playing the trumpet and trombone, and singing in various choirs. His greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Marianna Cooper.

Steve is survived by his wife of 38 years, Renee Cooper; children Caleb Cooper (Samantha), Hannah O'Shaughnessy (Dominic), Bethany Timmons (Spencer), Phoebe Cooper, and Hadassah Martin (Sebastian); grandchildren Riley, Norah, and Ada Timmons, Hudson and Layla Cooper; siblings Karen McDaniel, Lisa Gustafson, and David Cooper.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 28, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at First Free Rockford, 2223 N Mulford Rd, Rockford.
A memorial service will take place on Friday, August 29, at 1:00 p.m. at First Free Rockford, with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to organizations close to Steve's heart, supporting global missions and military ministry. To share a memory or condolence, please visit www.olsonfh.com .