Everett Lewis Cooper, age 97, of Loretta, WI died Thursday, September 19, 2019 at his daughter's home surrounded by his loving family.

Everett was born February 24, 1922 in Mount Clemens, MI the son of Wilmot and Rosa (Morehouse) Cooper. The family moved from Michigan to East Liverpool, Ohio where Everett attended school through 3 years of high school. In 1937 the family home burned down. Everett, now known as "Bud", had to quit school to help his dad rebuild the home.

In 1938 he came to Hayward and joined the Civilian Conservation Corp known as the CC. In 1941, by hitch hiking & bus he went to California & worked at Lockheed making parts for airplanes used during WWII.

In the fall of 1943, Bud went to Milwaukee where he worked at International Harvester. Eleanore Biller, from Draper, WI, was also working there. They moved to East Liverpool, Ohio and on June 27, 1944 they were united in marriage in New Cumberland, West Virginia. In 1945 Bud was drafted by the Army and served a short time during WWII.

In 1947 Bud and Ellie and father Wilmot started a mink ranch in Draper. In 1985 they were joined in the business by their son, Rod and wife Marilyn. Bud also supported his family by logging and doing masonry work. He finally retired at age 81 and began spending the winter months in Florida.

Bud is remembered by his children and grandchildren as being exceptionally intelligent, hard-working, kind and generous. He was always there to help them in any way he could.

Bud is survived by his son Rod (Marilyn) Cooper; daughters Connie (Don) Ladenthin & Julie (Allen) Hofer; grandchildren Amy, Jenny, Molly, Chad & Chris, great grandchildren Ryan, Ellie, Emma, Adam, Jack, Monica, Scarlett & new baby Everett Lewis Cooper, also a great great granddaughter being born in November; brother Ted (Marie) Cooper; and many nieces and nephews.

Bud was preceded in death by his father Wilmot and mother Rosa; loving wife Ellie in 1988; special friend Gladyn Olson in 2016; brothers Kenneth & Norman; sisters Emma, Thelma and Waunda.

A Celebration of Everett's life was held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, September 28, 2019 at Pineview Funeral Service in Hayward. Pastor Rob Biller officiated. Burial was in the Draper Cemetery. Visitation was held from noon - 1:00 p.m., Saturday, September 28th at the funeral home. A luncheon was held immediately following services.

Memorial donations in honor of Everett can be made to Regional Hospice Services, 15910W Company Lake Road, Hayward, WI 54843