Robert ""Bob"" William Cooper

Robert ""Bob"" William Cooper, 79, passed away at his home on Monday, April 26, 2010.   Born   March 19, 1931 in Oakland, CA, he was the first child of Robert Howard Cooper and Esther Irene Cooper (White).  He spent his childhood in the Bay Area before joining the Navy in 1951, during the Korean War.  Robert was trained as a Navy Seal and spent four years serving in Japan and the Philippines.   He met his wife, Ruby Marlene Fuehrer, in 1953 in Oakland, CA.  They married on June 19, 1955 and went on to spend 54 happy years together.  For nine years Robert attended night school and took correspondence courses while working full time and raising his young family in order to complete his Civil Engineering certificate from UC Berkley.  His engineering career took him across the country - from California to North Dakota, Alaska, Ohio, Virginia and eventually, Madison, WI where he retired as a District Engineer from the State of Wisconsin, Federal Highway Administration (1992).    The Coopers traveled extensively throughout their lives.  Robert was also a talented woodworker specializing in fine furniture, creating many heirlooms for his children and grandchildren.  His church, family and woodworking, were the focus of his life.   He was a beloved husband, father and grandfather.   Robert is survived by his wife, Ruby of Madison; three daughters - Susan (Bob) Cochran of Papua, Indonesia; Victoria (Bart) Likes Seattle, WA and Tamra Cooper of   Seattle, WA; his sisters Carol Howell of Hayward, CA, Janet (Don) Collins of Brentwood, CA; six grandchildren, three great grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.    A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 1st at 4:00 pm at CRESS FUNERAL HOME - 3610 Speedway Road , Madison, with Pastor Bill Lerch of High Point Church officiating.   Family and friends are invited for visitation prior to the service from 3 - 4 pm.   After the service, there will be a brief visitation with refreshments served.   In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Wycliffe Bible Translators, P.O. Box 628200 Orlando, FL 32862-8200 - 1.800.Wycliffe.