Donald Cooper

Donald David Gillmore Cooper, age 56 of Fairfax, MN and formerly of Cannon Falls, died peacefully at The Terrace at Cannon Falls.  Don had many struggles in his life from complications from a brain tumor he had when he was 12 years old.  His body fought a good fight and he was sent to the Lord peacefully.

Don was born on November 14, 1964 in Des Moines, IA, the son of Kenneth and Glenda (Fisher) Cooper. He graduated in 1983 from Central Dallas High School in Minburn, IA and went on to receive his Associates Degree in photography from Dakota County Technical College.

He married Kay Frahm on May 15, 1993 at the United Methodist Church in Mankato.  They have been married for 28 years.

If you knew Don, you knew he was a kind, gentle spirit with a great sense of humor. He had a passion for photography and operated Cooper Photography for years. He also had been a hospital volunteer at Hennepin County Medical Center for those with brain injuries. He loved gardening, animals, art and painting, and tinkering with just about anything. He also enjoyed whittling miniature wooden bats.

Don is survived by his wife, Kay of Franklin; his mother, Glenda Cooper of Cannon Falls; siblings, Ken (Terri) Cooper, Jr. of Minburn, IA, Todd (Cheri) Cooper of Culbertson, NE, Scott (Wendy) Cooper of Dallas Center, IA; and Robynn (Brad) Lorentz of Cannon Falls; brother-in-law, Tom (Lil) Frahm of Mankato; 13 nieces and nephews, 7 great nieces and nephews; and aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Lee Cooper, Sr.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, August 8 from 1:00 – 3:00 pm at Minburn United Methodist Church, 705 Chestnut St., Minburn IA 50167.

A graveside prayer service will follow at about 3:15 pm at Elmwood Cemetery, off Minburn Road, with Pastor Max Phillips officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be his siblings.