William C. Gustafson Cooper, 87, of Eaton, passed away on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at home surrounded by family.

Bill was born July 11, 1936, in Greeley, CO to John E. Gustafson and Phyllis B. Binns Gustafson. He spent the first five years of his life on a farm east of Eaton until the death of his father. His stepfather, Donald Cooper, adopted him and he took the Cooper name.

He is survived by his wife Bonnie (Grimes Gustafson) of 25 years; children, Dawn Lehr (Scott),
Scott Cooper (Lisa), Todd Cooper (Debbie); stepdaughter Kristine Donahoo (Don); grandchildren, Bailey Roe (Michael), Cooper Lehr (Mallory) and Kiefer Lehr; Braedyn and Cal Cooper; Jack, William and Samuel Cooper; step grandchildren Gregg Deacon (Catie), Kayla Dansby (David); eight great-grandchildren; sister Jeanette Boardman and brother Tom Cooper (Monica); nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Rebecca Ann Davis Cooper and brother-in-law John Boardman.

Bill and his siblings bounced around the country in childhood and young adulthood as their parents moved from Eaton, Colorado, to Muscatine, Iowa, to Riverdale, North Dakota, to Buffalo, N.Y. A 1954 graduate of Riverdale High School, Bill attended the University of North Dakota before moving to Buffalo and deciding to enlist in the U.S. Navy. After his Navy service, he returned to Omaha, where he worked at First National Bank of Omaha, then spent most of his career at the Nebraska Department of Roads in Lincoln.

A witty, welcoming man who loved to listen and laugh, Bill had several nicknames throughout his life — Willie, Coop, Papa, Papa Colorado and the Baby Whisperer. He earned the latter for his calming presence that soothed even the fussiest babies, a gift that served him well as both Papa and a volunteer in the EFC nursery.

He also enjoyed golfing and tinkering, whether it was refinishing antiques, collecting coins, gardening or dinking around with cars and lawn mowers. He was a steady, encouraging supporter of his grandchildren and their interests/athletic activities, often keeping stats while he watched their games. He also followed, celebrated and later tolerated his beloved Huskers. In retirement, he enjoyed volunteering at the Legacy Senior Center, the Swedish Heritage Society and the Evangelical Free Church of Eaton.

A celebration of Bill's life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, April 19, at the Evangelical Free Church of Eaton, 1325 3rd Street. A graveside service will take place at a to-be-determined date in Lincoln this summer.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to either the Veterans Community Project or the children's program at EFC. They can be sent in care of Moser Funeral Service, 3501 11th Avenue, Evans, CO 80620.