Michael Cooper

Michael John Cooper, 64 of Beardstown, died Monday, October 10, 2022 at his home.

Known as Mike to his family and Nate to his friends, he was born January 1, 1958 in Beardstown, the son of Rolland and Frances I. Lovekamp Cooper.

He is survived by two sisters Diana Lowe of DeWitt, IA and Linda (husband Bill) Kirchner of Lake Orion, MI; two brothers Robert Cooper of Beardstown and Brian (wife Billie Jo) Cooper of Rushville; 10 nieces and nephews; 16 great nieces and nephews; and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Mike graduated from Beardstown High School in the class of 1976 and attended Western Illinois University. He was a baptized and confirmed member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Beardstown. After school, he worked as a cable technician for many years, and later for his brother as an electrician. He was currently employed with the City of Beardstown as Assistant Water Supervisor and Beardstown Airport Manager. Mike was incredibly knowledgeable when it came to Native American Artifacts and Native American History. He was an avid collector of artifacts along with vintage coins and was even certified to authenticate pieces of history. His presence will be missed by all those who loved him the most.

Private family services will be held with burial in the Beardstown City Cemetery. A celebration of life and meal will be held at 11:30 AM Saturday, October 15, 2022 at Beardstown Elks Lodge. The family will continue to meet with friends until 2:30 PM at the Elks Lodge. Colwell Memorial Home in Beardstown is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials have been suggested to Dickson Mounds State Museum or Colwell Memorial Home.  Condolences may be left online at www.colwellmemorialhome.com or on Facebook at Colwell Memorial Home.