David R. Cooley

David R. Cooley, 73, died Monday, Oct. 31, 2011.

A life-long resident of New Holstein, it was only very recently that he and his wife had moved to Edina, MN. It was there that he succumbed to cancer, which had been part of his life for the past six years.

He was born March 6, 1938, the eldest child of Richard P. Cooley and his wife, Alice S. (Vollstedt) Cooley. He attended New Holstein public schools and, in 1956, became a student at UW-Madison. It was there that some of his most treasured memories were created when he became a member of the UW Marching Band. He left the university in the fall of 1958 when his uncle's health issues made it necessary for him to return home to work full-time at The New Holstein Reporter, owned at that time by his uncle and father. Over the years he became first part-owner and then full-owner of the newspaper and an expanding printing business which later became D. Cooley and Company. He retired in 2000.

He married Sandra Johnson in 1961 and they had three children: Dr. Lance Cooley (Nancy); Allison Cooley (Jay Roberts); and Heather Cooley (Stephen Lyster), all of whom survive. There are six grandchildren: Olivia and Victoria Cooley; Karlyn and John Russell; Tate and Dayne Lyster. He is further survived by his brother Dr. Charles (Diane) Cooley and the very special brothers- and sisters-in-law who were part of his life, as well as the nieces and nephews who added their love, care, and card-playing skills which especially enriched his later years.

David had broad and varied interests spanning his entire life. He was an avid pilot and airplane enthusiast, a ham radio operator, a member of St. Peter's U.C.C. in Kiel and its choir, a member of the New Holstein Kiwanis, the New Holstein Historical Society, the Masonic lodge, and various other organizations.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Lynn and her husband C. Richard Stephenson and their son, Andrew; and an infant sister, Susan.

In accordance with his wishes, there will be a private family memorial service at a later date. Condolences may be sent to 5805 Zenith Ave. S., Edina, MN 55410. Memorials may be sent to St. Peter's UCC in Kiel, the American Cancer Society, or New Holstein Historical Society.