William Cooper

February 12, 1930 - November 13, 2021

William Cooper, 91 died on November 13, 2021 after a brief illness at River Glen of St Charles. The son of William H Cooper and Emma (Ebersole) Cooper, William was born on February 12, 1930, in Libertyville, Illinois.  He grew up in Pekin Illinois where he met and married his high school sweetheart, Jerry Lou (Beach) Cooper. He was a graduate of Western Illinois University where he received his Bachler’s of Science Degree in Chemistry in 1951.  He enlisted in the Navy and went to bootcamp on December 1, 1951, then went on to graduate from Officers Candidate School on July 25, 1952. He returned to Pekin to marry Jerry Lou on July 27, 1952.  And shortly after that leave, he attended Navy Diver’s School and shipped out for the Korean War. He started his long teaching career in Manito, IL in 1953 and then went to the University of Michigan where he earned a Master’s Degree in Physics.  Then in 1954, he and Jerry moved to Geneva, IL where he began his 34 year tenure at Geneva High School. He taught math, general science, and earth science in the early years, and spent most of his later years teaching Chemistry and Physics.  He was also the Science Department Head for many years.  He was well like by his students and was known for his many exciting science demonstrations that were enjoyed by all.  He retired in 1988. Survivors include his son Timothy Cooper of Batavia, IL, and daughter Kimberly (Cooper) Cole and her husband, Dan Cole of Clermont Florida, and his grandson, Jackson Cole of Limerick, Maine. He was predeceased by Jerry Lou his wife of 63 years, who died October, 2015.  A private family memorial is planned.  Donations in William’s name can be made to Anderson Animal Shelter 1000 S La Fox Street South Elgin, IL 60177 –  www.andersonanimalsherlter.org  847-697-2880.Guest BookShareEmailPrint