Teddy J. Cooper

Teddy J. Cooper, 76, of Machesney Park, died on Sunday, February 7, 2016, after a long illness. He was born in Monroe City, IN, on July 27, 1939; to parents, Ed E. and Lola (Berry) Cooper. Teddy married his loving wife, Rose (Vincent) Cooper in 1970. Teddy proudly served in the United States Marine Corp, stationed in Okinawa. He settled in Rockford after his military service, and worked for CamCar Textron as a Quality Control inspector. Teddy retired after 38 years and enjoyed maintaining a beautiful yard at his home. He also enjoyed college basketball, especially the Indiana Hoosiers.

He is survived by his wife, Rose Cooper; children, Julie (Steve) McCaslin, Gwennie Jo Cooper, Craig (Kristine) Cooper; grandchildren, Erin Hill, and Nick Cooper; great grandchildren, Julianna, Jeremie, and Shayla; brother, Marv (Darlene) Cooper; sister, Caroline (Tom) Whitehead, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Teddy is predeceased by his parents; grandson, John Hill in 2015; and two brothers and one sister.

A memorial service will be held at 6:00 PM, Thursday, February 11, 2016; at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, 3910 N. Rockton Ave., Rockford, IL, 61108; with a visitation starting at 4:30 PM until time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be given to the Wounded Warrior Project. The Cooper family would like to express their gratitude to Heartland Hospice and to Riverbluff Nursing Home for all of their loving kindness.