Marshall "Tim" Cooper

Marshall “Tim” Cooper of Clearwater, MN, formerly of Thompson, ND and Nevis, MN, passed peacefully on February 9th from complications of a brain stem stroke occurring on Christmas day.

Tim was born to Edwin and Bernice (Evenson) Cooper on January 5, 1942 in Crookston, MN. Tim joined three siblings, Joan, Roger and Rodney. After graduating from high school in Climax, MN, Tim enlisted in the U.S. Army and was a member of the First Calvary Division, which he remained proud and humble of throughout his life. After his honorable discharge in 1962, he began his lifelong career as a dedicated and hardworking small business owner.

Tim purchased the Corner Bar in Climax, MN and it became Cooper’s Corner for the next seven years. Stories and friendships developed that we can only imagine for a kid in his 20s, running a bar in the 60s. While his former wife Judi managed the kitchen, Tim put in long hours tending bar where he learned life lessons that he carried over into his lifetime career in the insurance industry.

On February 7, 1981, Tim married Lorna Olson, weaving a tale of love, friendship and partnership while their shared experiences navigated 44 adventurous years. Together their careers provided incredible travel experiences that included Hawaii, the British Virgin Islands, Texas, Kentucky, California, Nevada, as well as wintering in Bonita Springs, FL for a number of years.

Tim lived his life with quick wit and kindness guided by his determined, independent, curious and generous spirit. Always grateful, he never went without thanking Lorna for meals she prepared, and he never left the church or association club house kitchen without stopping to say thank you to the volunteers and offering to take out the garbage.

Tim had an incredible eye for landscape detail as well as photography. He had great curiosity and joy in the newest technology. Tim’s love for entertaining family and friends was apparent with specially crafted meals and drinks that centered around the smallest detail that he would go out of his way to include.

Admirably, Tim was intolerant of inequality and his love for dogs went straight to his core. Tim’s auction shenanigans were hard to ignore by his family, however, better understood once it became known that items often were acquired simply to have on hand in case someone else needed it.

A friend recently shared “A person goes through life and may have many acquaintances, but only a handful of true friends, I was fortunate that Tim was one of my true friends. Tim was one of the good guys.” Another shared “I will miss his insight and humor”. Tim certainly had his own brand of humor! Often cracking himself up while his family just groaned!

Tim’s life journey taught us to live each day with purpose and do what brings you joy. He leaves a legacy of authenticity, the value of acceptance and the importance of living life to the fullest. Those we love are never more than a thought away. For as long as there is a memory, they live in our hearts to stay.

Tim is survived by his wife Lorna, daughters Barb (Erik) and Rebecca (Aaron), Lorna’s children Lisa (Raz), Mari, Lori (John) and David; their beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren; sister Joan, sister-in-law Yvonne; nieces and nephews Karen, Jonathan, Nathan, Julie, Susan and former wife Judi.

Tim was preceded in death by his parents, infant son Chad Michael, brothers Roger, Rodney and brother-in-law Lowell.

Tim requested no formal funeral service to be held. A private celebration of life will be held in the spring and he will be buried at North Ringsaker Cemetery in Belmont Township, North Dakota. If you would like to honor Tim, the family suggests donations to Prairie Paws Animal Rescue (Jamestown, ND), Journey Home Animal Rescue (Grand Forks, ND), The Wounded Warrior Project, Moments Hospice (St. Cloud, MN) or a cause that is close to your heart.