Alma M. Cooper

Alma Marie Cooper (nee: Schemmel) age 98, went to be with her Lord on Monday February 2, 2015 at Racine Harmony Home. Alma was born March 3, 1916 in Nekoosa, WI to Joseph and Marie (nee: Born) Schemmel. They moved to Racine when Alma was 3 years old and her family joined Trinity Lutheran Church where she is still a member. She was very active in the church from an early age even helping her parents clean the church every Saturday. Alma was confirmed in 1930 by the first pastor of Trinity, Reverend Frederic C. Eseman. She graduated from Trinity Lutheran School and continued her involvement by teaching Sunday school and also joined the Ladies Aid Society.

She was also very active in the Lutheran High School Ladies Aid Association and remembers being one of the first Ladies involved with opening the Thrift Shop that earned monies for the schools. Alma also sewed quilts on a weekly basis at St. John's Lutheran Church that were given to the poor.

Alma worked at a shoe company during the war making shoes for soldiers. She then worked at Dumore's, winding armatures, where she met Clarence Gregory Cooper. The two were joined in marriage on June 29, 1946 and together they owned and operated Cooper Heating Company from 1952 until 1966. Upon early retirement Clarence and Alma decided to spend the winter months in warmer climates settling on Brownsville, Texas during 1969 - 2011 where they purchased a mobile home. Alma quickly became involved in many activities in the community and joined the Ladies Aid Missionary group continuing to make quilts, lap robes, and children's clothing with Trinity Lutheran Church in Brownsville. She also became involved in a program called H.O.S.T.S. (Helping One Student To Succeed), where she was able to use her Spanish and tutor children learning the English language. In the Wisconsin summers and Texas winters Alma always maintained a garden and took great pride in her plants and vegetables.

Alma was always interested in sports. She bowled in many city bowling leagues and carried a decent average which won her many trophies. She was an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs and enjoyed watching the games on TV while listening loyally to WGN radio.

Survivors include her daughters Honor Steinmetz, Mary Jo (Donald) Woodward, all of Racine; her grandchildren Eva McGee of Racine, Debra McGee of Mequon WI, Ty Steinmetz of Racine, Beau (April) Steinmetz of Cleveland, OH, Lisa Woodward of Racine. Also 5 Great-Grandchildren and 14 Great-Great-Grandchildren; other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to her parents and husband she was preceded in death by her seven brothers and four sisters.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 7, 2015, 11:00 A.M. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 2065 Geneva Street, with Rev. Stephen Jennings officiating. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Saturday at the church from 9:30 A.M. until time of service at 11:00 A.M. Memorials to Trinity Lutheran Church, 2065 Geneva St., Racine WI 53402 have been suggested.

Special thanks to: Administration and Staff at Harmony Home, Seasons Hospice, and Marsh-Meredith & Acklam Funeral Home.