Gerald "Jerry" Cooper

Gerald "Jerry" Cooper obituary, East Peoria, IL

Gerald "Jerry" Cooper

Gerald Cooper Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Gary Deiters Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. - East Peoria on Jul. 7, 2025.

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Gerald "Jerry" Cooper, 81, of East Peoria, passed away on Sunday, July 6, 2025, at his home. He was born in Peoria on July 21, 1943, to Everett and Alice (Johnston) Cooper. He married Jacqueline "Jackie" Bill in Missouri on June 16, 1962. They just celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary; she survives.
He is also survived by their 3 children, Carol (Steve) Payne and Courtney Cooper, both of East Peoria and Chris Cooper of Sequin, TX; 3 grandchildren, Sausha (Kristy) Stunkel of Haubstadt, IN, and Kirsten Payne and Isaiah Cooper, both of East Peoria; great granddaughter, Zoey Payne of East Peoria, who kept him moving these past few years; and daughter-in-law, Heather Cooper of Peoria.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Gloria Stuart.
Jerry attended Manual High School and was always a big Manual Rams sports fan. He worked as a journeyman pressman at Fleming-Potter for 42 years.
Jerry enjoyed splitting wood, building rocking chairs and toyboxes, as well as riding and caring for horses. Above all, he cherished being a grandpa and watching his grandchildren's sports events. Jerry was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.
Cremation rites have been accorded. Gary Deiters Funeral Home & Cremation Services in East Peoria is assisting the family.
Memorial contributions may be made to TAPS in Pekin. Online condolences may be left at www.GaryDeitersFH.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Gerald Cooper's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

July 14, 2025

Matt McCartney posted to the memorial.

July 13, 2025

Carol posted to the memorial.

July 13, 2025

Carol posted to the memorial.

Matt McCartney

July 14, 2025

My sympathy.

Carol

July 13, 2025

Carol

July 13, 2025

Brenda and Bernie Lee

July 12, 2025

Such a wonderful man. They don´t come any better than Jerry. He will be missed by everyone that knew him. Prayers go out to Jackie and his family. May Jerry´s Soul Rest In Eternal Peace. We will miss you Brother.

John

July 8, 2025

"Coop"was such a great Man and Friend @ Fleming and Potter ,but Also @ SHARE FOOD, Love to The Family, John G. Truitt

Kathleen Ann Sullivan Hunt

July 8, 2025

Thoughts and Prayers for Jackie and family, with my mom and Jerry being so close in age he and I were very close when I was growing up and made priceless memories.

Tina Warren

July 8, 2025

My thoughts and prayers are with you Jackie, Carol, Courtney and Chris I will always cherish our Family get togethers,
Rest In Peace dear Cousin
Tina Warren
And Turtle

Heather

July 8, 2025

This man was such an important part of my life. He was like a second father to me. I don't have words to express how very much he meant to me. I'm sorry he is no longer here with us but I am happy he is in a better place. I love you, Jerry Cooper.

Dorain Cooper Farciert

July 8, 2025

My thoughts and prayers are with you Jackie and the family. Loved Jerry! Such a kind soul. One of my favorite pics!

Steve Nannette Wilson

July 8, 2025

Jerry was a great guy he will be missed

Sausha Stunkel

July 8, 2025

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Gary Deiters Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. - East Peoria

444 E. Washington Street, East Peoria, IL 61611

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Sign Gerald Cooper's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

July 14, 2025

Matt McCartney posted to the memorial.

July 13, 2025

Carol posted to the memorial.

July 13, 2025

Carol posted to the memorial.