Ira Dewayne Cooper, 90, passed away on August 14, 2024, in Burnsville. He was born in Greene County Ind., on February 11, 1934, and grew up on the family farm. He was preceded in death by his brother Carl and sister Deloris and is survived by his younger sister Carolyn Duckworth of Linton, Ind. He married Norma Speedy on August 28, 1956. They raised three boys, Bryan (Peg) Cooper of Lakeville, Mark (Joey) Cooper of Vancouver, Wash., and Glenn (Maria) Cooper of Apple Valley. Their growing family now includes six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He was filled with so much gratitude and appreciation for the many blessings in his life, with his biggest blessing being his wife Norma. After he lost her, he would often say “I just want to hold her hand again.” Before she passed away in 2023, they celebrated their 67th anniversary and together in heaven this year, they celebrated their 68th. I have no doubt they were holding hands. He led a life of giving. On so many occasions he would become a friend to an elderly person. Some became a regular around our dinner table. After he retired he volunteered hundreds of hours at Mayo Clinic Dialysis Center and sat with patients every week. Many would make sure to schedule their treatments when he would be there. Even in memory care where he last lived, he never lost his compassion, sense of humor or the ability to connect with people. He loved to share his many stories, talk about his family and talk about Mom. Every day I would visit he would tell me, “I don’t know how I could have asked for a better life, I really don’t.” He was a retired federal USDA meat inspector, but his true passion was driving an 18 wheeler and seeing the country with Mom. He would take vacation from his “day” job and they would go drive truck. Even after he retired, they drove all over the country together. He was proud to have been to all 50 states. Dad’s legacy will be the incredible marriage to our Mom and the family that it created. It was a home and family filled with love and laughter. Three boys could not have asked for more. We love you Dad. You and Mom will be forever in our hearts.