Cooper, Richard G. age 77 of Cedar peacefully passed into eternal life January 20, 2025, surrounded by his family.

He was born in Minneapolis to Guy and Donna Cooper. In 1970 he married Cathy, his high school sweetheart. Rick served in the United States Army from 1970 – 1972 in Vietnam. Rick became an elementary school teacher. He taught 3rd, 4th and 5th graders in the St. Francis School District. After retiring from teaching, Rick and his wife worked for a company called Books Are Fun and sold books and gift items to small businesses. Rick love gardening and working outside. Rick was active at church, leading the First Saturday Devotions and the Knights of Columbus Rosary. He was a beloved husband and father and will be greatly missed.

Rick was survived by his wife, Cathy; daughter, Candace; sister, Sharon (Jim); brother, Chuck (Linda), as well as nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Guy and Donna Cooper.

A Public Visitation will be held on Monday, January 27th, 2025 from 5 – 8 PM at Thurston-DeShaw Funeral Home, 13817 Jay St. NW, Andover. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Tuesday, January 28th, 2025 at 10:30 AM with a visitation one hour prior to Mass at Epiphany Catholic Church, 1900 111th Ave NW, Coon Rapids. Rick will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery in Anoka following the luncheon.

Arrangements entrusted to: Thurston-DeShaw Funeral Home - Andover, Minnesota - 763-767-7373