Lester L Cooper

Lester Cooper, 80, of Melcher-Dallas passed away Tuesday, September 28, 2021 at West Ridge Specialty Care in Knoxville. Services for Lester will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Melcher-Dallas Public Library or to the Melcher-Dallas Fire Department. Cards may be sent to Margaret and the family in care of Pierschbacher Funeral Home PO Box 701 Melcher-Dallas, IA 50163.
Lester was born August 16, 1941 at home in Melcher to Lester Bernard and Eula Viola Meeker Cooper. He grew up in Melcher-Dallas and graduated from Melcher High School in 1960. During high school he worked for Lawrence Logli at the meat locker. After graduation Lester enlisted in the United States Army and served until September of 1965, he then joined the Army National Guard. Lester looked sharp in his uniform, always pressed and polished.
He met Margaret Van Syoc and went on a first date in December of 1965. He gave her a kiss when he dropped her off at home, and she didn’t hit him. They were married on March 12, 1966. Lester and Margaret were blessed with three children: Teresa, Doug, and Lester.
Lester worked for the VA in Knoxville for 30 years, starting his career two days after his wedding. He also enjoyed working for Evans-McCleery, transporting VA patients to and from appointments in Des Moines and Marshalltown. Lester also worked for a time at the Shell Station in Knoxville, then owned by Duane Robuck. After retirement both Lester and Margaret enjoyed working at Wal Mart for 8 years.
Lester was always busy and made a shop at his home right after retirement where he did woodworking. He especially liked to build clocks, toys, and benches. If he wasn’t in his workshop he might be fishing. He loved to fish and would often go on trips salmon fishing. In his younger years he liked to use the CB and his handle was “Barrell Maker”.
He was preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, Leon &Cecile Cooper. Lester will be greatly missed by his wife, Margaret “Maggie” Cooper; children: Teresa Williams, Doug Cooper, and Lester (Lisa) Cooper Jr.; grandchildren: Skyler Williams, Lindsey Williams, Blaise Cooper, Ashley Cooper, and Jeremy (Katie) Levy; great grandchildren: Emmie, DJ, Bella, and twins on the way; along with sister, Pam Parker Cooper; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.