Michael Cooper

Michael “Mike” Scott Cooper was born on November 27, 1964, in Harlan, Iowa, to Phillip and Janet (Gilliland) Cooper. Mike was baptized at the Methodist Church in Harlan. He graduated from Harlan High School with the Class of 1983.

Mike was united in marriage to Karen Christensen on September 27, 1986, at the Congregational Church in Harlan, Iowa. The couple was blessed with one son, Jordan.

Following high school, Mike attended ITT Technical Institute in Omaha, Nebraska, where he earned a degree in computer-aided design in engineering. He began his working career at Rupprecht Engineering and Enterprise Precast Concrete Company before later working at Drake Williams Steel, all in Omaha. Due to declining health, he retired on September 7, 2020.

Mike had a deep love for music and enjoyed attending concerts, especially those of the Rolling Stones and KISS, often going with his son, Jordan. He had a passion for cars, particularly his 1974 AMC/AMX Javelin—his high school car—which he took great pride in restoring and driving on trips. Mike thought the world of his son and his wife and shared a strong partnership with his wife. He also enjoyed dining out with family, staying in hotels, and traveling. Some of his favorite destinations included Ireland, Daytona Beach, and Myrtle Beach.

Mike passed away on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, having attained the age of 61 years. He was preceded in death by his father, Phillip Cooper; and brother, Rick Cooper; paternal grandparents, Vernard and Bessie Cooper; maternal grandparents, Herbert and Alice Heyde.

He is survived by his wife, Karen Cooper of Persia; his son, Jordan Cooper of Harlan; his mother, Janet Norgaard (Delano Petersen) of Denison; brother, Gene Cooper of Omaha; sister, Beth (Victor) Larsen of Harlan; brother, Jeff (Mary) Cooper of Glenwood; sister, Jennifer (Darold) Anderson of Texas; sister, Sheila Amant of Omaha; along with many loving nieces and nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Memorial services will be held at a later date.